Nikolai Bogdanov-Belsky 04, Russian Empire, 19th century

Nikolai Petrovich Bogdanov-Belsky (1868–1945) was a Russian painter known for his portraits, genre scenes, and historical paintings. He was born in the village of Shitiki in the Smolensk Governorate of the Russian Empire (nowadays part of Belarus). Bogdanov-Belsky studied at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts and became a prominent figure in the Russian art world. His early works were influenced by the Peredvizhniki (Wanderers) movement, which aimed to depict scenes from everyday life and convey social messages. Bogdanov-Belsky's style evolved over time, and he became known for his portraits of children, often depicting them in natural settings with an emphasis on light and color. Bogdanov-Belsky's paintings are characterized by their realistic portrayal of his subjects and attention to detail. He often depicted scenes from rural life, capturing the simplicity and beauty of everyday moments.