Henrich Ippolitovich Semiradsky, a Russian artist of Polish descent, was a prominent representative of European academicism at the end of the 19th century. He became known for his monumental canvases depicting scenes from ancient Greek and Roman history, as well as biblical themes.

Henrich Semiradsky (1843-1902) was born in the Novo-Belgorod settlement (now the village of Pechenegi) near Kharkiv, Ukraine, into the family of a military doctor of Polish origin, Ippolit Semiradsky, who served as an officer in the dragoon regiment of the Russian army. Henrich began to learn the basics of drawing at the Kharkiv gymnasium under the guidance of Dmitry Ivanovich Bezperchy, a student of Karl Bryullov. It was he who helped the young artist choose a direction in art. Subsequently, academic classicism became the foundation of Semiradsky's work and brought him worldwide fame.

Henrich's father supported his son's passion for art but believed that painting could not be a reliable source of income and hoped that his son would choose a scientific career. Therefore, at the age of 17, Henrich enrolled in the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics at Kharkiv University, where he studied natural sciences. Throughout all four years, he combined his studies with drawing lessons, dreaming of becoming an artist.

In 1864, after defending his diploma, Henrich went to St. Petersburg to enroll in the Imperial Academy of Arts. He was accepted into the academy as a free listener, as per the rules of the time, students over 20 could only study on a paid basis. During his studies, Semiradsky received silver medals five times and gold medals twice.

In 1871, he went to Munich to improve his skills, and a year later, he presented the painting "Roman Orgy of the Glorious Times of Caesarism" in Russia. This work became one of the best at the Academic Exhibition and brought him fame. The painting was acquired by the heir to the throne, Alexander, the future Emperor Alexander III.

After Munich, Semiradsky moved to Rome, where he lived until the end of his life, only occasionally visiting Russia. His works were regularly exhibited at international exhibitions in European capitals and received awards. In 1878, for the painting "Woman or Vase?" he was awarded a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris and received the Order of the Legion of Honor.

Semiradsky passed away in 1902 and was buried in Warsaw. In 1903, his remains were transferred to Krakow and interred in the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, where outstanding Polish figures of art are laid to rest.