Self Portrait 1912

Boris Kustodiev painted this self-portrait in oil on canvas; it's currently hanging in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The first thing that strikes me is how he’s placed himself against this backdrop, almost like a stage set. The snow and the buildings create this incredible contrast with his dark, fur-lined coat. It feels like Kustodiev is both part of and separate from this world. Look closely, and you’ll see the paint isn't trying to hide itself. It’s thick in places, especially around the fur, giving it a real, touchable quality. Then, in the background, the paint thins out, becoming almost like a watercolor wash. That big red tower? It's so solid, so present, and the way it looms feels both imposing and kind of playful. You sense the joy Kustodiev finds in the act of painting. It reminds me a little of Fernand Léger, that same bold simplicity, a love for the everyday.