[1] While there, he received several medals for his work, including gold medals in 1864 and 1866, when he was also awarded the title of "Artist", first-class, and given a stipend to study abroad for six years for his depiction of the Grand Duchy of Vladimir being converted to Christianity.

[2] From 1867 to 1870, he lived in Paris, where he not only painted oils but also created a mural of the Holy Trinity for the altar dome at the new Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

In 1870, he returned to Russia and spent the last three years of his stipend period working in Moscow; mostly painting for churches.

In 1876, his painting of Ivan with Vasilisa Melentyeva won him critical acclaim at an Academy exhibition.

[2] His eye problems prevented him from working for long periods and his total output is relatively small.