Born into a family of composers
Valentin's father, Aleksandr Nikolaevich Serov, was a well-known composer and music critic, and his mother, Valentina Semyonovna, was the first Russian woman composer. She had a strict, despotic character and advocated for gender equality. The artist grew up in a creative atmosphere among prominent figures of the arts. Turgenev and Tolstoy were among the visitors to the Serovs' home.
Spent a year in a labor commune in the Smolensk Governorate
After the sudden death of his father, six-year-old Valentin was sent to a labor commune in the Smolensk Governorate, while his mother, Valentina, went to Munich to continue her musical education. After a year the commune was closed and the boy was brought to his mother in Munich.
Was a protégé of Ilya Repin
At the age of nine Serov and his mother moved to Paris, where the famous sculptor Mark Antokolsky noticed the boy's artistic talent. He advised the mother to hire a Russian artist to develop the child's abilities. By fate, Ilya Repin became Valentin Serov's teacher. Lessons began in Paris and continued in Moscow. Serov moved into his teacher's house: they were friends, painted from life together, and went on sketching outings.
Studied at the Academy of Arts in Pavel Chistyakov's class
Serov was accepted to the Academy of Arts on his first attempt and entered Pavel Chistyakov's class. Training according to the 'Chistyakov system' shaped Serov's artistic style: the system involved strict construction of drawing and the development of individuality.
Loved Italy
Serov had a rather gloomy temperament, but according to his close ones he literally came to life while traveling. He loved sunny Italy and its mild climate, and therefore repeatedly returned to the country for inspiration and a sense of fullness in life.
Became famous thanks to the portrait 'Girl with Peaches'
From childhood the artist was friends with the famous patron Savva Mamontov and his family and often visited Abramtsevo. It was there that, at the age of twenty-two, he painted the portrait 'Girl with Peaches', for which Savva's daughter, Vera Mamontova, posed. Incidentally, the peaches depicted in the painting were grown in the Mamontovs' greenhouse. Valentin Serov was awarded the Moscow Society of Art Lovers' prize in 1888 for the painting.
Painted portraits of the elite
Serov painted portraits of nobles, notable figures, and the imperial family. All his works are distinguished by naturalness. The artist sought to imbue each work with a vitality that was not characteristic of formal Russian portraits. Notable works by Serov include: 'Portrait of Emperor Nicholas II', 'Peter I', 'Portrait of Sofia Botkina', 'Portrait of Princess Olga Orlova', 'Portrait of Princess Yusupova', 'Portrait of Ida Rubinstein'.
Was the father of six children
The artist was in a happy marriage with Olga Trubnikova. The union produced six children: four sons — Alexander, Yuri, Mikhail, and Anton — and two daughters — Olga and Natalia.
Was interested in mythology
In his later work Serov became fascinated with mythology. In 1907 the artist traveled to Greece and, inspired by the trip, painted 'The Abduction of Europa', which combined an ancient myth with Art Nouveau stylistics. Despite the deceptive lightness of the work, the artist spent a long time searching for the ideal composition and created six versions of the painting.
Lived only 46 years
Valentin Serov died suddenly in 1911 at the age of 46 from a heart attack. The artist was a hypochondriac and feared heart disease his whole life, but ultimately repeated his father's fate.
