Russian artist Pyotr Gruzinsky (31 December 1837 – 1 June 1892) was a painter of battle scenes and genre painter. Pyotr Nikolaevich Gruzinsky was born in Kursk, in the family of a poor landlord. Since childhood he had a passion for painting. Initially self-taught he studied drawing at the parents’ house. In 1851 he entered the Academy of Fine Arts, where his principal mentor was Professor BP Villevalde. In 1860 he was awarded a small gold medal for the painting “Gypsy camp”, and in 1862 a large gold medal for the painting “The Capture of Gunib”, after which he was sent abroad to study at the Academy.

In Paris, he painted “Picket of Zouaves on maneuvers in France,” which was acquired by the Academy, and “The Market at Fontainebleau,” drew the attention of the public at the academic exhibition in 1872. After returning to St. Petersburg, Pyotr Gruzinsky received the title of academician for the painting “Leaving villages mountaineers approaching Russian troops” (1872).

Successful comprehension of artistic skills in the young artist went in parallel with carrying out fairly complex, multi-image works. While on a business trip, Pyotr Gruzinsky besides paintings devoted to military service (“Picket Zouaves on maneuvers in France”), paints a composition (“Market in Fontainebleau”). Topics of national life (“Scene of rural life”, “Mowing”, “In Little Russia,” “Night,” “Mardi Gras”, “Three”, “Meeting just married after returning from church”) are also close to the national painter of battle-pieces.