Rufin Sudkovsky, a celebrated marine painter, was born in April 1850 in Ochakovo, Kherson province, into a family of hereditary Orthodox priests. Despite initially enrolling in theological schools, Sudkovsky discovered his true passion for drawing and the captivating beauty of the Black Sea. He pursued his artistic aspirations by attending the drawing school of the Odessa Society for the Encouragement of Artists.

In 1868, Sudkovsky moved to St. Petersburg to study at the prestigious Academy of Arts. His talent quickly became evident, earning him large and small silver medals for his landscape sketches. Although his early works showed traces of imitation and lacked originality, Sudkovsky persevered and embarked on a trip abroad in 1874, returning as a mature painter with a unique style.

The breakthrough came in 1877 when Sudkovsky's paintings garnered attention at the academic exhibition, establishing him as a painter with immense talent and a promising future. Despite not passing all the necessary exams, he was granted the title of artist of the 2nd degree by the Academy of Arts, recognizing his exceptional abilities.

Within a few years, Sudkovsky's reputation soared, solidifying his status as one of Russia's finest marine artists after successful exhibitions in St. Petersburg and Odessa. However, tragedy struck in February 1885 when Sudkovsky tragically succumbed to typhus at the age of 35. He was laid to rest in his hometown, leaving behind a remarkable artistic legacy.