Merchant's wife on the balcony 1920

Boris Kustodiev made Merchant’s Wife on the Balcony with oils, and it feels like he enjoyed every minute of it. The bright, saturated palette and confident brushstrokes let you know that this is someone who is comfortable in their work. The way Kustodiev uses paint is so tactile. It’s thick in places, especially in the folds of her dress, giving it a sculptural quality. Then look at the tablecloth – the loose, gestural strokes that define the checkered pattern makes it feel almost alive. This kind of active mark-making gives the whole painting a vibrant, energetic feel, as if the scene is unfolding in real time. It reminds me a little bit of Bonnard, with that same love of domestic scenes and lush, expressive paint handling. But, unlike Bonnard, Kustodiev brings in an earthy directness – there’s no mistaking the Russian character of the scene. Like a good painting should, it invites you to find your own story within it.