About Vasily Surikov
Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (Russian: Василий Иванович Суриков; 24 January 1848 – 19 March 1916) was a Russian Realist painter, active in Moscow during Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II's reigns, renowned for his large history pictures. Many of his works have become familiar to the general public through their use as illustrations. His first formal work dates from 1862, but his family could not afford to continue his education, and he became a clerk in a government office. In 1875, he graduated with the title of Artist, first degree.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.