Ivan Pokhitonov, born on January 27, 1850, in Matrionovka, Kherson Governorate (present-day Ukraine), was a renowned landscape painter and graphic artist. He dedicated much of his career to his craft, primarily working in France and Belgium.

Growing up on a large farm, Ivan's early exposure to art came fr om the Dutch engravings adorning his family home. Even at the age of seven, he began creating copies of these engravings. In 1860, he became one of the first students at a newly established private academy in Yelisavetgrad. Later, he attended various other schools throughout his education.

In 1868, Ivan Pokhitonov entered the Petrovskaya Agricultural Academy in Moscow. It was during this period that he encountered fellow students with revolutionary views, attending speeches that shed light on the struggles faced by small farmers. He became entangled in the complex events involving the nihilist Sergey Nechayev, although he managed to avoid severe consequences. Nevertheless, he was expelled fr om the academy and returned home, under the supervision of his father and the police.

In 1871, Pokhitonov received permission to enroll at Odessa University, wh ere he pursued his studies while also taking classes in drawing and watercolors. These classes marked his only formal art training. Shortly after, he embarked on a journey to Geneva with his mother and sister, wh ere he showcased his watercolor works. Their success encouraged him to leave his employment at the "State Bank of Odessa" and embark on a journey to Italy. Eventually, he settled in Paris, where he found a position working alongside Eugène Carrière. Ivan regularly exhibited his art at the Salon, and his talent was recognized when several of his paintings were purchased by Pavel Tretyakov. Later, he signed a lucrative contract with Georges Petit.