After completing the course of study in the Moscow school of painting, sculpture and architecture (1875-1879) the V. G. Perov artist entered the Academy of fine arts (1879-1883). Prom the painting by V. Smirnov "Prince Michael of Chernigov before you bet Batu" brought him a gold medal (1883) and the right to a six-year-old pensioner's trip abroad. V. S. Smirnov, like haste, visited most cities in Europe. At the end of your stay in Rome writes his most significant painting "Death of Nero" (1888).
Upon returning to Russia the artist was awarded the title of academician. However, lung disease forcing him to go to warmer climes to Rome. In the train he dies. Recall that Prince Michael of Chernigov was martyred after he refused to worship the image of the deceased Genghis Khan.