Portrait of Andrei Bely 1932

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin's 1932 "Portrait of Andrei Bely" depicts the Russian symbolist writer with striking realism. Bely's piercing blue eyes, set in a starkly rendered face, are the focal point of the painting, suggesting a powerful and introspective personality. Petrov-Vodkin's use of muted browns and yellows creates a sense of depth and intimacy, highlighting the subject's complex character and intellectual presence. The work is a compelling example of Petrov-Vodkin's signature style, blending elements of realism with a subtle touch of symbolism.