The eldest son of academician of ornamental sculpture and a teacher of the Imperial Academy of arts, Pavel Ivanovich Brullov, half-brother Karl Pavlovich and Alexander Pavlovich Brullov.
He was a Professor of Church art at the Academy of fine arts.
In 1803, entered the Academy of fine Arts. Received medals: in 1811-2 silver, in 1815-1 silver and 1 gold for the painting: "the Prayer of the Lord Jesus in the garden", and a diploma of 1 degree. Remained at the Academy until 1817, retired In 1834-the academician for the painting "Christ crowned with thorns". In 1858 the title of Professor of degree 2 for paintings for Saint Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg. and other churches. Painter historical. (Kondakov)