Curtain 

Boris Kustodiev painted this theatre curtain, using gouache, watercolor and graphite on paper. The loose style and vibrant palette of the artwork are achieved through the artist’s masterful handling of watercolor. The gouache adds opacity and depth, enriching the visual experience, while the graphite probably served as a structural underdrawing. Kustodiev was fascinated by Russian folk art and popular culture. His choice of gouache and watercolor is significant, these being less 'fine art' than graphic media. The result is a design that merges stagecraft, painting, and illustration. It gives us a glimpse into a world of theatrical illusion. Here, Kustodiev celebrates the materiality of everyday life, creating an aesthetic where high art and craft traditions coexist. By emphasizing materials, and blurring boundaries, he elevates the value of making in our understanding of art.