Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 158 works by Mikhail Nesterov in our catalogue
In short
Saint Russia is the Mikhail Nesterov painting that draws the most eyes. After it, the eye goes to Self-Portrait (1918) and Saint Sergius' labours (right part of the triptych) (1896). Among the 158 works of Mikhail Nesterov in our catalog, these 100 are the most famous, each a unique original presented with its year, its museum and the reason it endures.
Saint Russia is an oil on canvas work by Mikhail Nesterov. The artist executed this piece between 1901 and 1905. It remains part of the permanent collection at the State Russian Museum in the Russian Federation.
The artwork is titled Self-Portrait and was created by the artist Mikhail Nesterov. This specific piece is a monochrome portrait that focuses on a self-representation of the artist. The work was produced in 1918.
A solitary figure moves through a landscape of winter. Dressed in a long coat and hat, a man resembling a monk or priest carries a child in his arms. The scene is set upon a street lined with buildings, where the urban architecture meets a heavy, white blanket of snow. In the background, the presence of a dog and other distant figures adds a sense of lived-in movement to the…
Mikhail Nesterov produced Solovki in 1917. The work provides a representation of the Solovki islands located in Russia. This landscape captures a specific geographic setting through a lens of quietude and natural scale.
In this 1940 work, titled Portrait of Vera Mukhina, the artist Mikhail Nesterov captures a moment of quiet intensity. The painting focuses on the likeness of Vera Mukhina, a woman who lived from 1889 to 1953. It is a study of character and presence, rendered during a period when the artist and his subject had recently become acquainted, having met in the autumn of 1939.
In the quietude of Mikhail Nesterov’s 1909 masterpiece, St. Mark the Apostle, we are invited into a moment of profound spiritual contemplation. The painting presents a striking portrait of the Apostle, depicted with deep, soulful features and a dignified beard, seated in a state of meditative repose upon a rugged rock. Set against a lush, natural backdrop that suggests a secluded garden or a sacred grove, the composition breathes with…
The scene before us is Autumn, a landscape that captures a specific, quiet moment in the changing seasons. Mikhail Nesterov, a painter who sought to translate the very essence of the Russian soul onto canvas, brings this seasonal transition to life through his unique vision. The work, created in 1906, invites a sense of stillness into the viewer's space, as if the air itself has paused to breathe.
The scene unfolds through the Portrait of Olga Nesterova (Woman in a Riding Habit), a work that captures a quiet, suspended moment in time. Mikhail Nesterov brings this figure to life, presenting a woman who exists within a landscape of soft light and natural textures. She stands poised, her presence defined by the elegant lines of her riding habit, a garment that speaks to a specific way of life and…
Youth of Saint Sergiy Radonezhsky is a painting by Mikhail Nesterov. The canvas captures a quiet moment of grace, a stillness held within the brushstrokes of a man who sought the essence of the Russian soul. Nesterov, born in Ufa, Russia, in 1862, spent his life translating the unseen into the visible. His hand moved between the heavy weight of realism and the light, ethereal touch of symbolism.
In "Old painter" by Mikhail Nesterov, the viewer enters a quiet studio where time seems to pause. The composition centers entirely on an elderly artist, whose intense focus anchors the scene as he works upon a large canvas. He sits at his easel, caught in a moment of profound concentration. In the background, a classical sculpture rests in the shadows, acting as a silent focal point that draws the eye…
Silence1888
12
Portrait of a Girl (Study for Youth of St. Sergiy Radonezhsky)1890
13
Blessing of Sergius of Radonezh and Dmitry Donskoy at the Battle of Kulikovo1897
14
Nuns1893 · Slovak National Gallery
15
Adam and Eve1898
16
Prince Alexander Nevsky1895
17
Winter in Skit1904
18
A fresco by M. Nesterov from Akhali Zarzma monastery, Abastumani, Georgia1904
19
Nun1909 · National Museum in Warsaw
20
By Volga1906
21
Elder (Abraham, the Servant of God)1914
22
Wayfarer1921
23
Alenushka1925
24
V.G.Chertkov1935
25
Girls on the bank of the river
26
Summer
27
Lel (Spring)
28
Silence
29
PhilosopherTretyakov Gallery
30
St.Olga
31
Entombment of Alexander Nevsky1900
32
Portrait of M. M. Nesterova, the artist's mother1875
33
A Girl with Kokoshnik (Woman's Headdress in Old Russia)1885
34
Small house in Ufa1884
35
Michael's vocation to the realm1885
36
The victim of his buddies1881
37
Snowballs1879
38
Resurrection1892
39
Spring1901
40
A Tree in Blossom1890
41
For the love potion1888
42
Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich1887
43
Saint Sergius' labours (central part of the triptych)1896
44
Ascension1895
45
Adriatic Sea1893
46
Descent into Hell1895
47
Saint Sergius' labours (left part of the triptych)1896
48
On the mountains1896
49
Portrait of Leo Tolstoy1907
50
Portrait of Maxim Gorky1901
51
St. George and Dragon1900
52
Thought1900
53
Portrait of Natalia Yashvil1905
54
Portrait of Ekaterina Nesterova1905
55
Portrait of O. M. Nesterova, the artist's daughter1905
56
By Volga1905
57
Tsarevich Dimitry1899
58
Harmony Concord1905
59
Silence1903
60
At the council. Sketch.
61
The Raising of Lazarus
62
Study to 'Harmony Concord'
63
Vesper
64
Sisters
65
Christ blesses Bartholomew
66
Portrait of Pavel Korin
67
Christ with Martha and Mary1911
68
Vision to Youth Bartholome
69
Portrait of Korin Brothers
70
On the Hills
71
Portrait of E. P. Nesterova1906
72
Pond1906
73
Capri. Entrance to Monastery.1908
74
Portrait of Vera Nesterova
75
Capri. Almond trees in blossom.1908
76
Portrait of Ekaterina Nesterova1909
77
The vision to Ivan Susanin Michael's image1906
78
Peonies1908
79
St. Jonh the Apostle1909
80
Portrait of V. M. Nesterova1908
81
St. Luke the Apostle1909
82
Intercession of Our Lady1914
83
A Litte Fox1914 · National Gallery of Armenia
84
Sasha1915
85
In a Secluded Monastery1915
86
Crucifixion1912
87
Sea view.1919 · National Museum in Warsaw
88
Volga1922
89
Landscape study1919 · National Museum in Warsaw
90
Spring1922
91
Thinker (Portrait of philisopher Ivan Ilyin)1921
92
The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh1920
93
Portrait of Victor Vasnetsov1925
94
Self-Portrait1928
95
Portrait of Sofia Tutcheva1927
96
Elegy. Blind Musician.1928
97
By a Monastery Entrance1925
98
A Sick Girl1928
99
Girl by a Pond (Portrait of Natalia Nesterova)1923
100
Lel1933
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
The 4 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Mikhail Nesterov | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 National Museum in Warsaw |
Warsaw | 3 | Nun, Sea view., Landscape study |
 Tretyakov Gallery |
Moscow | 7 | Philosopher |
 Slovak National Gallery |
Bratislava | 1 | Nuns |
 National Gallery of Armenia |
Yerevan | 1 | A Litte Fox |
Pick a decade to see the original that defines it.
In "Old painter" by Mikhail Nesterov, the viewer enters a quiet studio where time seems to pause. The composition centers entirely on an elderly artist, whose intense focus anchors the scene as he works upon a large canvas. He sits at his easel, caught in a moment of profound concentration. In the background, a classical sculpture rests in the shadows, acting as a silent focal point that draws the eye…
A solitary figure moves through a landscape of winter. Dressed in a long coat and hat, a man resembling a monk or priest carries a child in his arms. The scene is set upon a street lined with buildings, where the urban architecture meets a heavy, white blanket of snow. In the background, the presence of a dog and other distant figures adds a sense of lived-in movement to the…
In the quietude of Mikhail Nesterov’s 1909 masterpiece, St. Mark the Apostle, we are invited into a moment of profound spiritual contemplation. The painting presents a striking portrait of the Apostle, depicted with deep, soulful features and a dignified beard, seated in a state of meditative repose upon a rugged rock. Set against a lush, natural backdrop that suggests a secluded garden or a sacred grove, the composition breathes with…
The artwork is titled Self-Portrait and was created by the artist Mikhail Nesterov. This specific piece is a monochrome portrait that focuses on a self-representation of the artist. The work was produced in 1918.
In Wayfarer, Mikhail Nesterov presents a quiet rural scene that invites a moment of stillness. Painted about 1921, the work centers on a subtle human connection set against a natural backdrop. An elderly woman and a young boy occupy the space, caught in a contemplative exchange that feels both private and significant. There is a sense of shared thought between them, a quietude that suggests the passing of experience from…
In this medium close-up portrait of V.G.Chertkov, Mikhail Nesterov captures the sitter reclining within the heavy embrace of a large, cushioned chair. The perspective is a direct, eye-level view that pulls the viewer into an intimate space with the man. His clothing is rendered in deep blacks and browns, anchoring the figure against a textured background of muted blues and teals. The arrangement is formal, yet the realistic and expressive…
In this 1940 work, titled Portrait of Vera Mukhina, the artist Mikhail Nesterov captures a moment of quiet intensity. The painting focuses on the likeness of Vera Mukhina, a woman who lived from 1889 to 1953. It is a study of character and presence, rendered during a period when the artist and his subject had recently become acquainted, having met in the autumn of 1939.
Saint Russia. Self-Portrait (1918) and Saint Sergius' labours (right part of the triptych) (1896) come next.
Saint Russia, Self-Portrait, Saint Sergius' labours (right part of the triptych), Solovki, Portrait of Vera Mukhina, St. Mark the Apostle, Autumn, Portrait of Olga Nesterova (Woman in a Riding Habit), Youth of Saint Sergiy Radonezhsky and Old painter. The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.
Our catalog holds 158 works by Mikhail Nesterov, dated from 1875 to 1940.
Mostly in National Museum in Warsaw (Warsaw), Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow) and Slovak National Gallery (Bratislava). The museum table above lists them all.
In 1900s: 29 of the 100 works on this page were made then, St. Mark the Apostle among them.
On this page, the earliest is Portrait of M. M. Nesterova, the artist's mother (1875) and the latest Portrait of Vera Mukhina (1940).
Religious (17), Portraits (14) and Women (13), across the 100 works on this page.
Oil On Canvas, for 15 of the 100 works on this page.
Symbolism, judging by the originals on this page.
Nun, Sea view. and Landscape study: the National Museum in Warsaw, Warsaw holds 3 of the works on this page.
Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov, born on May 31st, 1862, in Ufa, Russia, was not merely a painter but a visual poet of the Russian soul. He emerged from a strongly patriarchal and merchant-based family where artistic inclinations were surprisingly nurtured; his father’s love for history and literature ignited within him a desire to translate stories and emotions onto canvas. This early encouragement led him to Moscow in 1874, enrolling at the Voskresensky Realschule—a pivotal step that set him on the path toward becoming one of Russia's most significant Symbolist painters. Formal artistic education began at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture in 1877, where he studied under esteemed artists like Pavel Sorokin, Illarion Pryanishnikov, and Vasily Perov—the latter proving a particularly influential figure. Even during these formative years, Nesterov’s talent was evident as he began exhibiting his work with the school as early as 1879. A brief, unsatisfying period at the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts prompted a return to Moscow and further tutelage under Alexei Savrasov, solidifying his artistic foundation. These early experiences instilled in him a blend of realism and an emerging sensitivity to atmosphere and emotional depth that would characterize his mature style.
Nesterov’s breakthrough arrived with The Hermit (1889), a painting that immediately resonated with the public and critics alike. Its acquisition by Pavel Tretyakov, the renowned collector and founder of the Tretyakov Gallery, was not merely a financial transaction but a validation of Nesterov’s burgeoning artistic voice. This purchase afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe—Austria, Germany, France, and Italy—broadening his horizons and exposing him to diverse artistic traditions. However, it was upon his return to Russia that his true calling began to take shape. He became deeply engrossed in a monumental project: a series of works dedicated to the life of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, a spiritual figure who would dominate his creative energies for nearly half a century. This commitment wasn’t simply artistic; it was a profound exploration of Russian spirituality and asceticism—a yearning for meaning that permeated Russian culture at the time. Simultaneously, Nesterov navigated the complex currents of Russia's art scene, aligning himself with both the Peredvizhniki (The Wanderers), known for their realist depictions of social issues, and Mir Iskusstva (World of Art), a group championing aestheticism and symbolism. This dual affiliation reflects the inherent tension within his work—a blend of realism grounded in Russian life and an ethereal quality that hinted at deeper spiritual truths.
The commission to decorate St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral in Kiev in 1890 marked another turning point, immersing Nesterov in the world of Byzantine art and religious iconography. While he fulfilled his obligations, he often subtly infused his contributions with personal artistic expression—a testament to his independent spirit. This period saw him grapple with the constraints of commissioned work versus his own creative vision, a struggle that would continue throughout his career. Beyond religious themes, Nesterov excelled in portraiture, capturing the likenesses of prominent figures like Ivan Ilyin, Ivan Pavlov, and Sergei Yudin. His portrait of Ivan Pavlov (1935), for which he received the Stalin Prize in 1941, stands as a powerful testament to his ability to convey not just physical appearance but also intellectual depth and character. Throughout his career, Nesterov’s style evolved, moving from early realism towards a more lyrical and symbolic approach characterized by muted colors, soft brushstrokes, and an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. His landscapes often served as backdrops for spiritual narratives, blurring the lines between the earthly and the divine. He sought to capture not just what he saw but what lay beneath the surface—the inner lives and spiritual struggles of his subjects.
Mikhail Nesterov passed away in Moscow on October 18th, 1942, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to inspire awe and reflection. His work represents a unique synthesis of Russian realism, Symbolism, and religious fervor. He wasn’t merely depicting scenes; he was attempting to capture the essence of the Russian soul—its yearning for spiritual meaning and its connection to the land. His paintings are not simply images to be admired but windows into a world of faith, contemplation, and profound emotional depth. Nesterov's influence can be seen in the works of subsequent generations of Russian artists who sought to explore similar themes of spirituality and national identity. His ability to imbue everyday scenes with symbolic weight and his masterful use of color and light continue to resonate with audiences today.
Here are some pivotal pieces that define Nesterov’s artistic journey:
Nesterov’s artistic development was shaped by several key influences: Vasily Perov, whose realist approach to social themes resonated with Nesterov's early work; Alexei Savrasov, who guided him in refining his technique and understanding of landscape painting; and Pavel Tretyakov, whose patronage provided crucial support and recognition. Ultimately, Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov stands as a towering figure in Russian art history—a painter who dared to explore the depths of the human spirit and translate those explorations into images of enduring beauty and power.
