In his 56 years, Richard Dey De Ribcowsky covered a lot of ground. Born in Bulgaria, he began art studies in Paris at age 13. He continued studies, first in Florence, Italy and then in Petersburg, Russia.

He then moved to the new world, first landing in Buenos Aires where he founded the Academy of Beaux Arts in 1904. In 1920, he moved north to the United States. He traveled extensively and painted in America and Europe.
Our two Venetian paintings to the left were done in 1917. In the 1920’s he settled in Southern California until his death in Los Angeles in 1936.

Askart posts a biographical note in its site from Charles Gurney, who, as a boy, had the opportunity to know the artist during 1935 - 36. He reports that during de Ribcowsky's last years, he resided at the at either the Ambassador or the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. He further states de Ribcowsky's paintings were on display throughout the hotel and were for sale. He was in a wheelchair at this time, but still got around with the help of a chauffeur who would lift him into a large sedan, and he was accompanied by a young lady nurse.

Charles Gurney ends his note by saying "That I can remember this much from the years I was 9 and 10 years old, tells what a really forceful personality he was. He was, truly, unforgettable. Behind the sometimes curmudgeonly manner, he was quite a humorist and definitely a powerful presence. His paintings please, and they last."

Source: Askart