Portrait of M. Nesterova, the first wife of the artist 1886

Mikhail Nesterov's "Portrait of M. Nesterova" from 1886 portrays his first wife in a close-up composition. The painting captures her likeness with a focus on her delicate features and introspective gaze. Nesterov's use of loose brushstrokes and muted tones contributes to the intimate and melancholic mood of the work. The painting exemplifies the artist's early style, often described as realistic and sentimental, and offers a glimpse into his personal life.