Portrait of a Lady. Model 1908

Boris Kustodiev made this pastel on cardboard artwork, Portrait of a Lady, Model, with a muted palette and soft lines. The work feels intimate, like we’ve caught a glimpse of something private. Looking closely, you can see how the surface is built up with layers of pastel strokes. The strokes are distinct, almost like individual threads woven together. The cool greens and blues in the background create a sense of depth, while the warm pinks and creams of the figure bring her forward. It's as if he’s gently sculpting the figure from the ground, building up form through tone. I’m really drawn to the way he’s handled the fabric draped around her. It’s almost like it’s alive, full of movement and light. Kustodiev’s work reminds me a little of Vuillard, that same focus on domestic interiors and intimate portraits, but with a distinctly Russian sensibility. This piece embodies a kind of ambiguity that I find really appealing. It’s this embrace of uncertainty that keeps art interesting, right?