Petr Vereschagin was a Russian painter who specialized in historical and battle scenes. He was born in Novocherkassk and studied art at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. His paintings were inspired by his travels throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and often depicted the military campaigns of the Russian Empire. His most famous work is the triptych "The Apotheosis of War," which was exhibited in both Russia and Europe and brought him international recognition.