Portrait of L.I. Shetalova (Woman with a cup) 1920

Boris Kustodiev created this sketch of L.I. Shetalova, entitled "Woman with a cup". Kustodiev lived and worked in a period of intense social and political upheaval in Russia, navigating the Tsarist era, the 1905 Revolution, and the subsequent rise of the Soviet Union. This portrait offers a glimpse into the private lives of women during this tumultuous period. While revolutions and wars raged, the simple act of drinking tea could become a poignant symbol of domesticity and resilience. The shawl draped over her shoulders and head suggests both warmth and perhaps a desire for privacy. Kustodiev captures a sense of quiet dignity. Despite the social constraints placed on women, Shetalova embodies a sense of self-possession. The cup becomes more than just a vessel; it is an emblem of her agency and quiet strength. It reminds us that identity is forged not only in the grand narratives of history, but also in the small, intimate moments of everyday life.