Born into a serf peasant family in Tula, Russia, his artistic talent led to him being freed by his master and sent to the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg. After studying for six years in Italy under Bertel Thorvaldsen, he returned to teach at the Academy where he later became a Professor.
This individual's exceptional artistic talent led to him being freed by his master and sent to the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg. He later spent six years studying art in Italy under Bertel Thorvaldsen before returning to teach at the Academy, where he eventually became a renowned Professor.