Yevgeny Ukhnalyov

Yevgeny Ilyich Ukhnalyov (Russian: Евгений Ильич Ухналёв; 4 September 1931 – 3 September 2015) was a Russian artist. He was a founding member of the Russian Guild of Heraldic Artists and the creator of many state symbols of modern Russia including its coat of arms. In 1997 he was awarded the People's Artist of Russia title.

Ukhnalyov was born in Leningrad (Saint Petersburg). He graduated from the visual arts school at Repin Institute of Arts in Leningrad and entered a Ship-Building Community College (судостроительный техникум). In 1948 he was arrested and sentenced to 25 years as an Enemy of the people. He was sent to Vorkuta labor camps where he worked in coal mines. Later he worked as a designer in Sharashka in Kresty Prison in Leningrad.

On 22 June 1954, a year after the death of Joseph Stalin, Ukhnalyov was freed. He worked in a few design institutes, as well as did some book illustrations. In 1967 he found a job at the Hermitage Museum and soon became the chief architect of the museum. He worked there until 1975.

In 1992–1998 he worked for the State Heraldry at the President of Russia. Being on this position he designed many state symbols including:

and many others.

Since 1998 Ukhnalyov has been working as the Leading Artist of the Hermitage Museum. As a painter he has participated in more than 40 exhibitions around the globe. His works are on display in the State Russian Museum in Anna Akhmatova museum and private collections.

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