Boris Kustodiev4DPict Boris Kustodiev (1878-1927)

Description of the painting "Portrait of Kustodieva" by Boris Kustodiev

Boris M. Kustodiev created a new style of portrait painting. His works resemble paintings with a full-fledged subject. The gaze is drawn not only to the image of the person, but also to the setting.

The artist was very fond of painting his family. Such family work and is the portrait of his wife Kustodieva. The artist portrayed members of his family in different life situations. Thus, he demonstrated his love for his family and friends.

The picture depicts B.M.Kustodiev’s wife in a quiet domestic situation. She is sitting in a garden, visible part of the house and fence. Around lush vegetation, indicating a warm summer day. A dog is depicted in the foreground. The artist’s family loved animals, the author often depicted them in his paintings.

One can see that the dog is attached to its mistress, it looks at her and wants to be petted. The woman sits relaxed. One gets the impression that the wife is resting in the garden on a warm summer day. She is sitting on a wooden bench at a table. The woman’s gaze is so deep, her eyes exuding kindness, and her lips are spread in a slight, barely perceptible, smile. The picture reeks of coziness.

The artist is very realistic portrayal of his wife. Her infinite kindness and reliability. The painting depicts the purity of a woman’s nature, harmony and love. The couple lived happily and one can’t help but notice the woman’s contentment with her family life.

With his paintings, the artist recorded the changes that occur in family life. He very accurately conveyed the changing appearance of his wife over the years. She was always for him a faithful companion of life.

The last years of his life B.M.Kustodiev was in immobility, his wife was his whole world. She performed the duties of a business agent and continued to successfully manage the household. The master conveyed his warm attitude to his wife through his canvases.