Mihail Chemiakin was born in Moscow in 1943 and studied art at the famous Repin art academy. His remarkable talent and insatiable hunger for innovations led him to challenge the establishment. In 1971, Chemiakin left the Soviet Union and settled in Paris where his unique imagery was already familiar to European collectors. It was in Paris that he produced his Carnival at St. Petersberg and his Metaphysical Series, which are among his most renowned periods, proving a mastery of color and form. In 1980, Chemiakin moved to New York where he presently resides and continues his work. Today, his artwork is featured in all of the major cultural centers of the world. Chemiakin's explosive career has led him to be one of the most acclaimed contemporary Russian artists in the world.

In the painting general with black hat we experience Chemiakin characteristic use of vibrant color and the imaginative display of figures. We see standing before us a French general, bedecked in a sensational black hat, posturing in an affected Napoleonic pose. Surrounding him are a series of imaginative figures, each a fascinating caricature in his own right.