Mikhail Nesterov – an artist who left a deep mark in the world of pictorial art. He is the author of a large number of paintings, but, written in 1907, “Natasha on a garden bench” stands alone in the work of the master. The name of the picture already says that Nesterov has special feelings for the girl depicted on the canvas. This is true because the picture depicts the artist’s daughter, Natalia.
A young girl, dressed in a light blue dress, sits on a bench in the garden. A pose in a half-turn, a slightly bared shoulder – it seems that the artist stopped a moment, taking her by surprise. The girl’s pose is calm, her hair is loose, she is keen on reading a book.
On the bench lies a bouquet of wildflowers, apparently collected by the girl. Despite her young age and delicate tender nature, a lot of vital energy is felt in her.
The artist approached the writing of this portrait very responsibly, as if he was afraid of something not to say, to unfinish the picture. Therefore, all elements of the composition look very finished, the overall impression of the painting “Natasha on the garden bench” leaves a feeling of harmony between the image of the girl and the image of her surrounding nature.