Nesterov Mikhail Vasilyevich

Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov was a painter known for his portraits, landscapes, and works on historical, religious, and genre themes. He studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture (1877–1881) under V. G. Perov, I. M. Pryanishnikov, and A. K. Savrasov, and at the Imperial Academy of Arts (1881–1884) under P. P. Chistyakov. In 1886, he received a large silver medal and the title of class artist for his painting 'Petitioners to the Tsar.' He was a member of the Peredvizhniki (1896–1901), participated in 'World of Art' exhibitions, and was a founding member of the Union of Russian Artists (1903). He became an Academician of Painting in 1898 and a full member of the Academy of Arts in 1910. In 1909, he received a gold medal at the International Exhibition in Munich for his painting 'Holy Rus.' In 1941, he was awarded the USSR State Prize for his portrait of Academician I. P. Pavlov. He was named an Honored Artist of the RSFSR in 1941 and awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor in 1942.