Drittenpreis was a son of an architect, he received silver medals for architectural projects during his studies at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, where he later switched to the painting department. He continued his education at the Higher Art School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, and was a member of the symbolist group and collaborated with St. Petersburg magazines.

Drittenpreis also created still lifes, landscapes, portraits, allegorical compositions, and decorative panels, in addition to designing decorative interiors for various establishments. Later on, he worked as a technician and architect for the Moscow Provincial Administration and authored a project for a country house. Due to World War I, he joined the Alexander Military School and changed his last name to Goncharov, but little is known about his life after that.