Mark Antokolsky: Sculptor of Emotion and Identity Mark Matveyevich Antokolsky (1840-1902) stands as a pivotal, yet often overlooked, figure in 19th-century Russian sculpture. Born into a modest Jewish family in Vilnius—a city steeped in history and layered with cultural complexities—Antokolsky’s life was one of both artistic triumph and personal struggle. His work transcends mere representation; it delves into the depths of human emotion, grappling with themes of faith, power, and social injustice, all while navigating the constraints and prejudices of his time. He wasn't simply a sculptor;…