Stanisław Jakub Rostworowski

His mother, Maria (1835-1912), was a niece of the novelist and feminist, Narcyza Żmichowska, who advised her not to marry Roman.

Poor management caused their farm to fail and the family moved to Warsaw, where his mother opened a tailor shop and gave piano lessons.

Then, in 1878, when his father found work as a railway clerk, he was able to enter the Saint Petersburg State Institute of Technology.

That same year, he was awarded a gold medal for his depiction of Thetis bringing weapons to Achilles as he mourns over the body of Patroclus.

In 1884, he was awarded the "большая золотая медаль" (Great Gold Medal) and the title of "Artist First-Class" for his painting of Ataman Yermak's messengers at the Red Porch with Ivan the Terrible, capturing the moment when he went from anger to mercy toward the former robbers.