Domnushka
1888 · Private collection, America
Domnushka is a 1888 portrait by the Russian artist Victor Stember.
Domna or Domnushka using the endearing form of her name, was a 'slave'(serf as the more common name) for the family. As stated in the diary of Nadja Stember, the artists wife, Domna was 'given' to her by her mother when she married Stember. In 1861, when the serf's were freed, Domna and several others choose to stay as members of the family.
It can be seen in photograph #49 that the original painting was larger than the one currently in the private collection. The bottom portion was cut off which was a common practice after the Revolution when wall space in their now smaller quarters was needed.
There is also a drawing in pencil of Domna (#1) on this site.
Archival Records of This Work
This Work Appears In
- Studio photograph 49 — 1889: Lubanovo near Moscow; family estate of Great Grandmother Apuhtina (the artists wife'
- Studio photograph 60 — The artists daughter Natasha with 'Domna' the children nurse. Domnuska was a serf who was
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