One of the developers of the coat of arms of Russia, Vladimir Nikonov, has died.

One of the developers of the coat of arms of Russia, mathematician, People's Artist of the Russian Federation, honorary member of the Russian Academy of Arts (RAH) Vladimir Nikonov died at the age of 76. This was reported on Thursday, May 28, on the academy's website.

The artist died on May 22. His farewell took place on Thursday at the Federal War Memorial "Pantheon of Defenders of the Fatherland". The press service noted that the Russian Academy of Arts and the entire national science and culture suffered a heavy loss.

"Nikonov was a rare combination of an artist and a scientist. <...> In science, he developed an independent field, important for practical applications, was a prominent specialist in the field of discrete functions, multidimensional geometry, artificial intelligence and cryptography, and the creator of his own scientific school," the portal says.

As an artist, Nikonov created a huge number of works in the rare technique of miniature painting. The specialist also worked actively in heraldry and faleristics, becoming one of the developers of the state coat of arms of Russia, as well as symbols and awards of law enforcement and other departments and public organizations.

It is noted that Nikonov was able to realize his multifaceted creative potential and make a great contribution to the rapprochement and cooperation of scientists and artists of the Russian Federation.

"The master's miniatures are in museum and private collections around the world, they have been repeatedly "awarded on behalf of Russian President [Vladimir Putin] to leaders of countries and public figures. <...> The Academy highly appreciates Vladimir Nikonov's great diverse talent and vibrant creative palette, his high professionalism and active lifestyle," the organization's website says.

The President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vasily Tsereteli, and the scientific and creative staff of the Academy expressed their condolences to Nikonov's family and colleagues.