A native of St. Petersburg, came from a family of Germans of St. Petersburg. He graduated from the School guard sub-ensigns in St. Petersburg. He served in the life guards Dragoon regiment, then in the Leuchtenberg hussar regiment and retired with the rank of Colonel. In the military environment, was known as a skilful draughtsman and sculptor, his work has been a rare life credibility and accuracy of the stroke. Studied the art of drawing and sculpting in the Imperial Academy of arts (from 1857) under the leadership of P. K. Klodt. Done in wax to the historical song "Mazeppa" (1858) received a silver medal; for the sculptural group "Death of the Earl of Rzhev" (the leader of Polish hussars in XVII century) was awarded the title of honorary member of the IAH (1859); and for the establishment of three animal groups representing hunting scenes, received the title of academician of the sculpture (1861). Participated in exhibitions IAH (1857-1883), WHPV in London (1862, 1872), Paris (1867), Vienna (1873). Favorite models N. I. Liberiha the characters were hunting scenes: hunters, horses, dogs, bears, deer, wild boars, hares.