Early Life and Education

Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov, a renowned Russian and Soviet painter, was born on May 31, 1862, in Ufa, Russia. He was the son of a patriarchal merchant family, with his father being a draper and haberdasher. Despite his family's strong business background, Nesterov's father had a deep interest in history and literature, which would later influence his son's artistic pursuits. Nesterov's artistic journey began in 1874 when he was sent to Moscow to enroll at the Voskresensky Realschule. In 1877, he transferred to the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, where he studied under Pavel Sorokin, Illarion Pryanishnikov, and Vasily Perov. Nesterov's favorite teacher was Perov, who significantly impacted his early artistic development.

Artistic Career and Notable Works

Nesterov's first major success came with his painting "The Hermit", showcased at the seventeenth exhibition of the Peredvizhniki in 1889. This piece was purchased by Pavel Tretyakov, enabling Nesterov to take an extended trip to Austria, Germany, France, and Italy. Upon his return, Nesterov created "The Vision to the Youth Bartholomew", the first in a series of works on the life of Saint Sergius. This series would eventually include fifteen large canvases and occupy him for fifty years.

• View Mikhail Nesterov's Artworks
• Explore the Taganrog Art Museum, Russia
• More on Mikhail Nesterov's Wikipedia Page

Later Life and Legacy

Nesterov's later years were marked by his involvement in various religious commissions, including work at the Marfo-Mariinsky Convent. He also spent time at the Solovetsky Monastery, which inspired numerous works. In 1941, Nesterov was awarded the Stalin Prize for his portrait of Pavlov, created in 1935. This recognition was one of the first given to an artist. Nesterov passed away on October 18, 1942, at Botkin Hospital, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneers of Symbolist art in Russia. Key Artworks:

• "The Hermit"
• "The Vision to the Youth Bartholomew"

Associated Museums:

• Taganrog Art Museum, Russia
• Novokuznetsk Art Museum, Russia

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://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/O/A@D3C657](https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/O/A@D3C657)
• Krasnoyarsk Art Museum (Krasnoyarsk, Russia), showcasing a diverse collection of Russian art. [https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/O/A@D3B4K7](https://WahooArt.com/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:

• The Hermit (1889)
• The Vision to the Youth Bartholomew (series, 1889-1939)
• Pavlov (1935)

Influences:

• Vasily Perov
• Alexei Savrasov
• Pavel Tretyakov

Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov's legacy as a Russian Symbolist painter endures, with his works continuing to inspire and influence the art world.