Fedir Krychevskyi is one of the artists who shaped the face of 20th-century Ukrainian Modernism. He was among the co-founders of the Ukrainian Academy of Arts and became its first rector. Fedir Krychevskyi was born on May 22, 1879, in Lebedyn, in the Sumy region, into a large family. His eldest brother was Vasyl Krychevskyi — an outstanding artist, architect, and also one of the Academy's founders.

In Fedir Krychevskyi's works, Ukrainian culture sounded modern and bold. Widespread recognition came to the artist after the appearance of the painting "The Bride" (1910), and the triptych "Life" became a true sensation at the Venice Biennale in 1928.

Krychevskyi strictly refused to create propaganda art, did not work in the style of Socialist Realism, and declined to paint portraits of Stalin or other Soviet leaders, even for the sake of physical survival. The final years of the master's life became a tragic testament to an unbroken spirit. Deprived of all titles and the opportunity to teach, and evicted to the outskirts of Kyiv under the constant surveillance of the secret services, he was ill and starving, yet he continued to work. Fedir Krychevskyi passed away in 1947 right at his easel — physically exhausted, but morally unconquered.