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Painter, draughtsman, teacher. Born as a serf in the family of Ivan Ivanov in the village of Kazakovo near Palekh (1818). Moved to St Petersburg (1833), where he studied under Grigory Chernetsov and Nikanor Chernetsov (1833–39). Travelled down the River Volga with Grigory, Nikanor and Polycarp Chernetsov, sketching views of all the towns from Rybinsk to Astrakhan (1838). Bought his freedom from serfdom with the help of the Society for the Encouragement of the Arts (1840) and studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts (1840–45). Awarded a minor silver medal (1844) and the title of non-class artist (1845). Travelled to Italy with Grigory and Nikanor Chernetsov (1846). Lived and worked in Rome (1846–63). Died in Rome and buried at the Cimitero degli Inglesi (1863).