Nikolai Firtich

Nikolai Firtich is a Professor and Chair of Russian Studies at Vassar College, where he has been since 2000. He teaches courses such as 'The Russian Classics: The Great Realists of the Nineteenth Century,' 'Revolutionary Art in Russia 1910–1917,' and 'Six Masterpieces: Exploring the Treasures of the Hermitage Museum.' His academic background includes a BA from the Academy of Art of the USSR, followed by an MPhil and PhD from Yale University. Firtich's research and teaching focus on Russian literature, cultural history, and art, particularly exploring themes of realism, revolutionary movements, and museum curation. He has been recognized for his contributions, including being granted tenure and promoted to full professorship at Vassar.