Pushkin in St. Petersburg 1930

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin's "Pushkin in St. Petersburg" (1930) is a portrait of the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, known for his influential role in Russian literature. Painted in a realist style with muted colors, the artwork focuses on a close-up depiction of Pushkin's face, capturing his pensive expression and emphasizing his distinctive features, like his beard and piercing gaze. Petrov-Vodkin uses a somber palette, evocative of the historical context of Pushkin's life and the city of St. Petersburg. The background, depicting a distant cityscape and water, adds depth and a sense of place to the composition. This portrait is a testament to Petrov-Vodkin's skill in depicting both the physical and the psychological aspects of his subjects, making it a captivating work for admirers of both Russian literature and art.