The exhibition of the Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev House Museum presents a portrait of the artist’s first teacher Pavel Alekseyevich Vlasov. The portrait was created in 1925 during Kustodiev’s last visit to Astrakhan. The meeting with his beloved teacher was joyful and warm. It resulted in this beautiful portrait of Pavel Vlasov.
The portrait is executed on tinted paper with colored pencils. Vlasov, “almost life-like”, gray-haired, old, heavy, but still trying to be elegant, with his favorite bow tie, sits wearily on a chair. Kustodiev masterfully outlined his model’s hands and face with colored pencil. The hand of an experienced artist is evident in the entire drawing.
Boris appeared in Vlasov’s workshop as a 15-year-old boy. He studied conscientiously under Vlasov’s guidance for three years, learning the basics of fine art. Vlasov in some ways replaced the young man’s father who died early, becoming his mentor and kind adviser. It was he who prepared the young Kustodiev for admission to the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. He wrote a parting letter in which he suggested what flaws in his work should be eliminated, where and under whom to study in St. Petersburg in order to fulfill his cherished wish — to become an arts student. He even outlined a plan of action for the young man in case Kustodiev’s documents were not accepted by the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Vlasov brought up many talented students over his 45 years as an educator in Astrakhan. However, the brightest star was, most definitely, Boris Kustodiev, who achieved worldwide fame with his talent and hard work. The teacher and his student maintained connection without any interruptions until the artist’s death.
After the publication of Vsevolod Voinov’s book about the work of Kustodiev in February 1926, the artist sends his beloved teacher a copy of it with the words,
