Portrait of N.S. Butova 1915

Boris Kustodiev rendered this image of N.S. Butova in 1915 using charcoal on paper. During this period, Russia faced immense social upheaval as World War I ignited revolutionary fervor. Kustodiev's choice of charcoal, a readily available medium, reflects the constraints and resourcefulness of artists during wartime. The portrait captures Butova in a moment of contemplation, her hand delicately touching her face. This intimate portrayal contrasts sharply with the grand narratives of war and revolution that dominated public discourse. Kustodiev's artistic vision was shaped by his involvement with the "World of Art" movement, which sought to revive traditional Russian art forms. To fully understand this drawing, we might consult archival sources from Russia. The drawing serves as a reminder that art possesses a unique capacity to reflect the subtleties of human experience amidst broader historical events.