Mikhail Nesterov

Style: Symbolism; Art Nouveau; Post-Impressionism; Realism; Post Impressionism;

Place: Ufa

Born: 1862

Death: 1942

Biography:

Early Life and Education

Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov

, a renowned Russian painter, was born on May 31, 1862, in Ufa, Russia. His family, strongly patriarchal and merchant-based, encouraged his artistic pursuits. In 1874, he enrolled at the Voskresensky Realschule in Moscow, where his father's interest in history and literature influenced Mikhail's desire to become an artist.

Artistic Career

In 1877, Nesterov transferred to the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, studying under Pavel Sorokin, Illarion Pryanishnikov, and Vasily Perov. He began participating in school exhibitions in 1879. After a brief stint at the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, Nesterov returned to Moscow, taking lessons from Alexei Savrasov.

Notable Works and Associations

The Hermit (1889), his first major success, was purchased by Pavel Tretyakov, enabling Nesterov to travel extensively.
The Vision to the Youth Bartholomew, a series of works on the life of Saint Sergius, occupied him for fifty years.
Association with the Peredvizhniki and Mir Iskusstva, influential art movements in Russia.

Museum Collections and Exhibitions

Nesterov's work can be found in various museums, including:

The Museum of Russian Art (Israel), featuring an extensive collection of Russian artworks. [https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/A@D3C657](https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/A@D3C657)
Krasnoyarsk Art Museum (Krasnoyarsk, Russia), showcasing a diverse collection of Russian art. [https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/A@D3B4K7](https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/A@D3B4K7)

Later Life and Legacy

Nesterov's later work focused on portraits, including Ivan Ilyin, Ivan Pavlov, and Sergei Yudin. He was awarded the Stalin Prize in 1941 for his portrait of Pavlov (created in 1935). Nesterov passed away on October 18, 1942, in Moscow. Key Works: