Valentin Alexandrovich Serov was born in St. Petersburg in 1865. His talent emerged when he found himself in a commune, where he continued to study after his mother moved to Munich. A year later, after the commune disbanded, he moved to Munich with his mother, where he was taught drawing by the engraver Karl Köpping. In October 1874, he continued his studies in Paris, and a year later returned to Russia.

In 1876, he moved to Kyiv with his mother and her new husband, where he attended a gymnasium while simultaneously honing his skills at an art school. During this time, the family noticed his love for nature and passion for art.

In 1880, Serov became a free listener at the Imperial Academy of Arts. Two years later, he successfully passed his exams and was promoted to an academician.

Life in Domotkanovo had a significant impact on his creativity. Here he created his famous works, including the portrait of Vera Mamontova, "Girl with Peaches," which he gifted to her mother. The painting was later acquired by Tretyakov. In Domotkanovo, Serov also painted "Woman with a Horse," "October," and "The Shearers." Works from this period are characterized by bright tones and cheerfulness. He was offered to create illustrations for a children's Bible, but the project was not realized.

In 1887, Serov married Olga Fyodorovna Trubnikova. Soon they had children: Yura and Sasha, whom he depicted in the painting "Children."

In 1905, Serov left the Academy of Arts and began creating political caricatures. In 1907, he traveled to Greece, which inspired him to create the work "The Abduction of Europe." During this period, he also painted several portraits, including a portrait of Elena Rerikh, and created a poster featuring the dancing Anna Pavlova.

On November 22, 1911, Serov suffered an angina attack and passed away. The artist was buried at the Don Cemetery, and later his remains were transferred to Novodevichy Cemetery.

During his lifetime, his works were often exhibited in various countries, and today Valentin Serov's paintings are considered some of the most valuable among Russian artists.