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Mikhail Nesterov Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Mikhail Nesterov · 1862 – 1942

Portrait of Natasha Nesterova (On a Garden Bench)

1914 · Tereshchenko Museum, Kiev

Mikhail Nesterov Admire Mikhail Nesterov’s evocative ‘Portrait of Natasha Nesterova (On a Garden Bench)’—a Symbolist masterpiece capturing tranquility and contemplation amidst nature. Explore the artist's profound spiritual vision.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17730 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

St. Mark the Apostle

1909

A profound portrait of St. Mark the Apostle by Russian Symbolist Mikhail Nesterov captures a spiritual moment of quiet devotion through soulful imagery that invites you to bring this timeless masterpiece into your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Self-portrait

1915

A profound Symbolist masterpiece featuring a contemplative man by a river, this 1915 self-portrait by Mikhail Nesterov captures deep spiritual emotion and invites you to explore this exquisite piece of Russian art history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17733 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Saint Sergius' labours (central part of the triptych)

1896

A powerful scene of communal labor and spiritual devotion unfolds in Mikhail Nesterov's Saint Sergius' labours, a masterpiece of Russian Symbolism that invites you to bring this evocative piece into your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17731 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Venerable Sergius of Radonezh

1899 · original 248 x 248 cm

Mikhail Nesterov’s 1899 painting ‘Venerable Sergius of Radonezh’ captures a serene Symbolist portrait of the Russian saint, depicted in religious garb on a hillside with detailed landscape elements. Discover this evocative artwork and bring its spiritual beauty into your space.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1924248 × 248 cm Commission at original size

Nuns

1893 · Slovak National Gallery, Bratislava · original 51.5 x 39.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$35228 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$38340 × 52 cm Commission at original size

Nun

View the most popular artwork of Mikhail Nesterov ranked #7: Nun

1909 · National Museum in Warsaw, Warsaw · original 32.0 x 15.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17722 × 46 cm Commission this artwork

The Taking of the Veil

1898 · original 195 x 178 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17733 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1156195 × 178 cm Commission at original size

Elder (Abraham, the Servant of God)

1914

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17731 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Girl by a Pond (Portrait of Natalia Nesterova)

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Natasha Nesterova (On a Garden Bench)

1914

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17730 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

St. Luke the Apostle

1909

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Korin Brothers

Explore Mikhail Nesterov’s ‘Portrait of Korin Brothers.’ This oil painting showcases realism & impressionism, depicting two men in a layered scene. A unique art piece for collectors.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20231 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

V.G.Chertkov

1935

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of M. M. Nesterova, the artist's mother

1875

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Crucifixion

1912

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

The Vision of the Young Bartholomew

1890 · original 211 x 160 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1128211 × 160 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Leo Tolstoy

1907

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Girl by a Pond (Portrait of Natalia Nesterova)

1923

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17733 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Thinker (Portrait of philisopher Ivan Ilyin)

1921

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Vera Mukhina

1940

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17730 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Girl (Study for Youth of St. Sergiy Radonezhsky)

1890

Explore Mikhail Nesterov’s "Portrait of a Girl." This evocative oil painting captures youthful innocence in a loose, impressionistic style. A study for St. Sergiy Radonezhsky.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17724 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Alexey Severtsov

1934

Mikhail Nesterov’s 1934 'Portrait of Alexey Severtsov' is a powerful Expressionist work featuring bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors & introspective mood. Explore this unique oil painting – a timeless study of wisdom and reflection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17735 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Olga Nesterova (Woman in a Riding Habit)

1906 · original 86 x 175 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17722 × 46 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$58886 × 175 cm Commission at original size

Saint Russia

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 158 artworks by Mikhail Nesterov
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$35240 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Mikhail Nesterov

1862 – 1942

Quick facts

Top-ranked workPortrait of Natasha Nesterova (On a Garden Bench)
Typical colorsearthy, neutrals
Emotional tonespiritual
Also known asNesterov, Michail Wassiljewitsch Nesteroff, Mikhail Vasilʹevich Nesterov, Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov, Mikhail Vasilevich Nesterov
Movementssymbolism
Room fitliving room
Creative periodsmature period
Copyright statusPublic domain

Biography

A Life Immersed in Spirit and Symbolism

Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov, born on May 31st, 1862, in Ufa, Russia, was not merely a painter but a visual poet of the Russian soul. He emerged from a strongly patriarchal and merchant-based family where artistic inclinations were surprisingly nurtured; his father’s love for history and literature ignited within him a desire to translate stories and emotions onto canvas. This early encouragement led him to Moscow in 1874, enrolling at the Voskresensky Realschule—a pivotal step that set him on the path toward becoming one of Russia's most significant Symbolist painters. Formal artistic education began at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture in 1877, where he studied under esteemed artists like Pavel Sorokin, Illarion Pryanishnikov, and Vasily Perov—the latter proving a particularly influential figure. Even during these formative years, Nesterov’s talent was evident as he began exhibiting his work with the school as early as 1879. A brief, unsatisfying period at the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts prompted a return to Moscow and further tutelage under Alexei Savrasov, solidifying his artistic foundation. These early experiences instilled in him a blend of realism and an emerging sensitivity to atmosphere and emotional depth that would characterize his mature style.

The Dawn of a Unique Vision

Nesterov’s breakthrough arrived with The Hermit (1889), a painting that immediately resonated with the public and critics alike. Its acquisition by Pavel Tretyakov, the renowned collector and founder of the Tretyakov Gallery, was not merely a financial transaction but a validation of Nesterov’s burgeoning artistic voice. This purchase afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe—Austria, Germany, France, and Italy—broadening his horizons and exposing him to diverse artistic traditions. However, it was upon his return to Russia that his true calling began to take shape. He became deeply engrossed in a monumental project: a series of works dedicated to the life of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, a spiritual figure who would dominate his creative energies for nearly half a century. This commitment wasn’t simply artistic; it was a profound exploration of Russian spirituality and asceticism—a yearning for meaning that permeated Russian culture at the time. Simultaneously, Nesterov navigated the complex currents of Russia's art scene, aligning himself with both the Peredvizhniki (The Wanderers), known for their realist depictions of social issues, and Mir Iskusstva (World of Art), a group championing aestheticism and symbolism. This dual affiliation reflects the inherent tension within his work—a blend of realism grounded in Russian life and an ethereal quality that hinted at deeper spiritual truths.

A Master of Religious and Portraiture

The commission to decorate St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral in Kiev in 1890 marked another turning point, immersing Nesterov in the world of Byzantine art and religious iconography. While he fulfilled his obligations, he often subtly infused his contributions with personal artistic expression—a testament to his independent spirit. This period saw him grapple with the constraints of commissioned work versus his own creative vision, a struggle that would continue throughout his career. Beyond religious themes, Nesterov excelled in portraiture, capturing the likenesses of prominent figures like Ivan Ilyin, Ivan Pavlov, and Sergei Yudin. His portrait of Ivan Pavlov (1935), for which he received the Stalin Prize in 1941, stands as a powerful testament to his ability to convey not just physical appearance but also intellectual depth and character. Throughout his career, Nesterov’s style evolved, moving from early realism towards a more lyrical and symbolic approach characterized by muted colors, soft brushstrokes, and an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. His landscapes often served as backdrops for spiritual narratives, blurring the lines between the earthly and the divine. He sought to capture not just what he saw but what lay beneath the surface—the inner lives and spiritual struggles of his subjects.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Mikhail Nesterov passed away in Moscow on October 18th, 1942, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to inspire awe and reflection. His work represents a unique synthesis of Russian realism, Symbolism, and religious fervor. He wasn’t merely depicting scenes; he was attempting to capture the essence of the Russian soul—its yearning for spiritual meaning and its connection to the land. His paintings are not simply images to be admired but windows into a world of faith, contemplation, and profound emotional depth. Nesterov's influence can be seen in the works of subsequent generations of Russian artists who sought to explore similar themes of spirituality and national identity. His ability to imbue everyday scenes with symbolic weight and his masterful use of color and light continue to resonate with audiences today.

Key Works & Influences

Here are some pivotal pieces that define Nesterov’s artistic journey:

The Hermit (1889): A defining work that launched Nesterov’s career, embodying the theme of spiritual solitude.
The Vision to the Youth Bartholomew (series, 1889-1939): A lifelong project dedicated to the life of Saint Sergius, representing a profound exploration of Russian spirituality.
Pavlov (1935): A masterful portrait that captures the intellectual and psychological depth of the renowned scientist.

Nesterov’s artistic development was shaped by several key influences: Vasily Perov, whose realist approach to social themes resonated with Nesterov's early work; Alexei Savrasov, who guided him in refining his technique and understanding of landscape painting; and Pavel Tretyakov, whose patronage provided crucial support and recognition. Ultimately, Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov stands as a towering figure in Russian art history—a painter who dared to explore the depths of the human spirit and translate those explorations into images of enduring beauty and power.

Questions & Answers

What colors did Mikhail Nesterov use most often?

The color profile of Mikhail Nesterov's work is shown on the artist's Palette Genome page.

What are the birth city and country of Mikhail Nesterov?

Mikhail Nesterov was born in Ufa, in Russia.

Where are Mikhail Nesterov's artworks mapped by subject?

The Subject Atlas of Mikhail Nesterov is a page that maps the artist's artworks by their subjects.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Aug. 31, 2026

Collector's quiz

What artistic movement is Mikhail Nesterov most closely associated with?
Which painting launched Nesterov's career and was purchased by Pavel Tretyakov?
Nesterov dedicated a significant portion of his work to the life of which saint?
Besides painting, Nesterov also contributed to the decoration of what significant religious structure in Kiev?
What was Nesterov awarded for his portrait of Ivan Pavlov in 1941?

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