It is natural that Constantin Chatov’s work has a musical feeling. The renowned portraitist, whose clientele included hundreds of prominent people including the portraits of Margaret Mitchell, Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh commissioned by MGM began his career as a concert pianist in Russia.

As a young man, Constantin studied music at the National Conservatory of Music in Rostov, an affiliate of the prestigious St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music. After fleeing Russia in 1922, he studied music at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia under the legendary Isabelle Vengerova. He was a concert pianist in New York and an accompanist for the Ballet Russe, headed by Michael Mordkin, where he accompanied many famous ballet stars, including Anna Pavlova and Nemchinova.

As a result of over-practicing, Constantin injured his right hand which ultimately ended his professional career as a concert pianist. He began a new career; following his artistic passions into the world of painting, and by the 1940’s was acclaimed for his figure studies, paintings and portraits.

Settling in Atlanta in the 1960’s, Constantin became an influential member of the arts community receiving, among other awards, the 1983 “Governor’s Award in the Arts."

Mr. Chatov’s works are represented in private and corporate collections, museums and galleries throughout the United States.