Boris Kustodiev

Boris Kustodiev's work is multifaceted: he worked as an easel painter, stage designer, was fond of sculpture, and was fluent in various graphic techniques and drawing methods. The artist painted portraits of his contemporaries, landscapes, and genre pieces, capturing the life and flavor of Russia, the peculiarities of the national character, and the everyday life and holidays of the Russian provinces. In his art, he combined the traditions of realism with impressionism and symbolism, enriching them with elements of Russian folklore and folk art. By the mid-1900s, the artist had created a unique style and his own picturesque Russia - "Country of Custodius". The exhibition will introduce the author's key paintings and graphic works, which are united in thematic blocks: "Family", "Country of Custodius", "Holidays", "Theater", "Boris Kustodiev - graphic artist". A separate subsection "Russian Types" will be dedicated to merchant women, whose beauty Boris Mikhailovich glorified. For the first time, Kustodiev's sketches for the play "The Flea" staged by E.I. Zamyatin based on the story "Lefty" by N.S. Leskov for the theaters of the MKhAT 2 and the BDT - the pinnacle of the master's theatrical and decorative work - will be shown in full. The exhibition will provide an opportunity to take a new look at the work of the outstanding artist and appreciate the unique talent of Boris Kustodiev.