Born in Stavropol-on-Volga, Gorbatov studied civil engineering before turning fully to art, enrolling at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg. In the 1910s, he traveled widely through Italy and Germany, eventually settling in Capri — a place whose sunlit palette deeply influenced his artistic language.

Gorbatov’s paintings from this period reveal a mastery of color, atmosphere, and architectural rhythm, often depicting Russian towns bathed in golden light. His use of expressive brushwork and vibrant tones places him among the leading colorists of his generation.

Following the Russian Revolution, Gorbatov emigrated permanently, first to Italy and then to Berlin. In exile, he remained deeply connected to Russian culture, becoming a central figure in the Russian émigré art community. While his works continued to reflect nostalgic visions of Russia, he also incorporated Mediterranean subjects and still lifes into his repertoire.

Despite hardships during World War II, Gorbatov continued to paint until his death in Berlin in 1945. Today, his works are held in major Russian and European museums, and his reputation has grown steadily on the international art market. Gorbatov’s legacy endures in his ability to merge memory, light, and national identity into radiant visual poetry.