The Russian painter Semyon Matveyevich Guzikov was born in Moscow in 1878 or 1879 — the exact date of birth is unknown. There is also no information about his art education. Semyon Guzikov began to participate in exhibitions no later than 1905. His works were displayed in the halls of the Imperial Academy of Arts, the Moscow Society of Art Lovers, the Society for Traveling Art Exhibitions, and later at exhibitions of the Association of Artists of Revolutionary Russia. Semyon Guzikov also published articles on fine art in magazines and newspapers. However, no information is available about his life after 1929.

The artist’s legacy is represented in museums, art galleries, and private collections. Sometimes, his paintings are sold at art auctions. Due to the artist’s skills and quality of painting, his works are in high demand among art connoisseurs.

“A Moscow Nook” from the Khimki Art Gallery is an impressionist cityscape. The painting is not only architecturally accurate but also imbued with the artist’s personal attitude and mood.

The viewer sees a panorama of Moscow. One can imagine that Semyon Guzikov has just opened the window of his high-rise studio and is enchanted by the sunny, windless winter day with its abundance of light. Moscow is easily recognized by the densely built-up area, numerous churches, and tall trees. Presumably, the painting depicts the Church of Elijah the Prophet in Vorontsovo Pole. In 1929, the church was closed, and the building was transferred to the State Museum of Oriental Art. In 2019, the building was returned to the church.

The similarity in the ocher tones of trees and buildings, and the rhythmic composition of houses emphasize the static, peaceful, and silent atmosphere of noon. The sky is distinguished by an unusual color palette — a translucent light haze of blue pearl with a play of rose and light gray. The artist conveyed the impression of the moment, capturing the rapidly changing view of the city in bright sunshine, filling it with a joyful and almost festive atmosphere.