Karl Bryullov (1799-1852)
Bryullov was born into a family of artists and just like his brothers studied at the Academy of Arts, where his father was a teacher. After completing his studies, the young artist was given a bursary to travel to Europe. He especially loved Italy where he completed one of his masterpieces, The Last Day of Pompeii. The painting gained him recognition, and he returned back to Russia a hero. His personal life was not as happy. He had a brief marriage that ended in divorce after only two months. Bryullov became an outcast of high society and therefore returned to Italy where he spent the rest of his days.
- The Last Day of Pompeii | © Wikimedia Commons
