Vladimir Lukich Borovikovsky was born on July 24, 1757, in Mirgorod, coming from a Cossack family. His father and older brothers were engaged in icon painting and worked in local churches.

Under his father's guidance, Vladimir learned icon painting. In 1774, he joined the Mirgorod Cossack regiment while simultaneously honing his painting skills.

In 1787, Borovikovsky created several paintings for the traveling palace of Empress Catherine II. His works made an impression, and the empress wanted to know the name of the artist.

Upon learning about him, Catherine II wished to meet Borovikovsky. After their conversation, she advised him to go to the capital, to the Academy of Arts.

A year later, Vladimir moved to St. Petersburg. Although he was not of the right age to enroll in the Academy, this did not stop him, and he began to settle in the new city.

He made acquaintances with notable people, many of whom were intellectuals. In 1792, Borovikovsky began taking painting lessons from the artist Lampi, who worked at the court of the empress.

Borovikovsky also interacted a lot with the famous artist Levitsky, who became his mentor. Levitsky, being a master of his craft, passed on his knowledge and skills to Vladimir.

It is believed that it was from Levitsky that Borovikovsky acquired his magnificent technique and compositional mastery.

At the beginning of his career, Vladimir Lukich painted miniatures and oil portraits. In the genre of ceremonial portraiture, he was quite convincing, and his works became a model for imitation.

Borovikovsky created numerous portraits, including images of Empress Catherine II and representatives of noble families.

In his portraits, he often used elements of the Russian landscape. Russian nature, like his paintings, is unique. The white trunks of birches and field flowers emphasize the national spirit and colorfulness of his works.

Religious painting was also an important part of his creativity. He worked on the frescoes of the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg. In the last years of his life, religious painting became his main focus. He opened a private art school at his home, passing on his knowledge to students.

In old age, Borovikovsky was lonely, did not respond to letters, and avoided communication. He passed away in April 1825 in St. Petersburg.