Artwork
Portrait of Alexey Shchusev
Portrait of Alexey Shchusev is an unspecified painting by the Realist artist Mikhail Nesterov. It dates from 1941 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.
About this work
Overview
The *Portrait of Alexey Shchusev* (1941) is a realistic painting by Mikhail Nesterov, depicting the renowned architect in traditional Central Asian clothing. Characterized by visible, thick brushstrokes and a contrasting color palette, the work showcases Nesterov's adaptability within the realist style, despite his associations with Symbolism.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Alexey Shchusev, is portrayed in profile, dressed in a vibrant, patterned khalat (jacket) and a beaded tubeteika (headpiece), emphasizing his cultural connections. The composition focuses attention on the sitter, set against a dark, blurred background that highlights his attire and presence.
Technique & Style
Nesterov employed a realist approach with expressive, thick brushstrokes, imparting a textured quality to the subject's clothing. The juxtaposition of bright, popping colors (blues, pinks, yellows) against a shadowy backdrop creates visual depth and emphasizes the sitter's profile.
History & Provenance
Created in 1941, the portrait is part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection, reflecting the institution's commitment to preserving works of significant Russian and Soviet artists like Nesterov.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov (Russian: Михаил Васильевич Нестеров; 31 May 1862 – 18 October 1942) was a Russian and Soviet painter; associated with the Peredvizhniki and Mir iskusstva.
