Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko, known as the "general of decadence, decline, and mysticism," was a Russian artist, watercolorist, and graphic artist. He was born on August 22, 1867, in Saint Petersburg to a family of hereditary nobles from the Chernigov province. He began his career during a challenging period in the development of Russian art. The artist and art historian Igor Grabar referred to Solomko as the "general of decadence, decline, and mysticism."

Solomko created works depicting scenes from ancient Russian life with elements of epic-fairy architecture and vibrant costumes. His creativity essentially responded to the social demands of the time, evoking nostalgia in viewers and immersing them in a romantic world, distracting them from everyday concerns.

In the late 19th century, with the emergence of numerous illustrated magazines in Russia, Sergey Solomko and Elizaveta Byom became leading representatives of the genre of magazine illustration. His works also featured symbolic allegories dedicated to episodes from the history of the Romanov dynasty.

Despite this, critics did not recognize Solomko's outstanding abilities. Social upheavals, such as the 1905 revolution, the October Revolution, and World War I, prevented society from adequately appreciating his work, which did not reflect these events.

In the 1900s, Solomko created models for the Imperial Porcelain Factory and collaborated with the jewelry firm K. Fabergé. In 1903, he developed sketches of ancient Russian costumes for a costume ball at the Winter Palace. In 1910, after receiving an inheritance, he moved to Paris, where he continued to paint watercolors and illustrate books for the A. Ferru publishing house and others. He also created postcards on themes of Russian antiquity for the Lapin publishing house.

Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko passed away in 1928 at the Russian nursing home and was buried in Saint Genevieve des Bois.