Family Photograph 21

The following explanation of this picture is taken from the family album: it was written by the artists daughter Natalia.

1897. Moscow, a corner of Fathers studio.  Many familiar paintings are here.  On the far left, 'A Believer, # 44  on this site.  Above it is a self-portrait of the artist in his beret, #  97.  Higher is a portrait of the artists wife Mother #130.  Next to her is a charming little portrait of the artists wife, just married in Nice, France.  She is in a white gown, standing in the sun smiling!  This beautiful little painting has perished because of being mistakenly put on the wall above a heater.  The paint became dark and cracked and fell off!

Next in the corner there is a reflection in the mirror of the painting 'The Sirens'! #100.  In front of the mirror you see a beautiful antique lamp and at the right is the portrait of Mme Feigina #29 on this site.  In front of it Father tried to picture himself at work.  It probably is a 15 minute sketch.  At the left in front '(sic: is the nude' ) sketch for the Sirens painting.  What added to the coziness is the Turkish divan and small rugs on the wall and on the floor.   Papa loved coziness! '