Artwork
Portrait of A.V.Balashova (Born Gendrikova) with Her Daughter

Portrait of A.V.Balashova (Born Gendrikova) with Her Daughter is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Victor Schtember. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Victor Schtember’s 1907 oil painting presents a mother and her young daughter in a quiet, domestic setting. The figures are seated together on a chair, their relaxed posture suggesting a moment of gentle intimacy. The work is part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection, exemplifying early‑twentieth‑century Russian portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on the bond between the woman identified as A.V. Balashova, née Gendrikova, and her child. The mother’s attire—a light dress with pink floral motifs and pearls—conveys modest elegance, while the daughter’s white dress and hair bow emphasize innocence. The subdued background and the tender interaction underscore themes of familial affection and quiet domestic life.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, Schtember employs a restrained palette of muted tones that recede behind the figures, allowing the subjects’ clothing and skin tones to stand out. Soft brushwork renders the textures of fabric and flesh, while the delicate handling of light creates a calm atmosphere. The overall style reflects a realist approach tempered by subtle impressionistic touches.
History & Provenance
Created in 1907, the portrait entered the State Hermitage Museum’s holdings, where it remains on display. The work was likely commissioned by or gifted to the Balashova family, preserving a personal likeness that later became part of the museum’s broader collection of Russian portraiture from the turn of the century.
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