- 219
Natalia Nesterova, b.1944
Description
- Natalia Nesterova
- bird hunting a fish
- signed with initials in Cyrillic l.l.; also signed, titled in Cyrillic and dated 1988 on reverse
- oil on canvas
- 130 by 140cm.; 50.5 by 54.5in.
Catalogue Note
The work of Natalya Nesterova falls into the category of the so-called Second Avant-garde. This broad movement, defined by its variety, resulted from the sweeping reforms of the Thaw, which encouraged critique of the Russian media.
This striking work incorporates two important symbols, which reappear throughout her work: birds and playing cards. The image of the dove, with its overtly Christian symbolism, suggests a divine presence. Combined with the concept of fortune as suggested by the cards, Nesterova conveys the hope and fate experienced by her generation at this turning point in Russia’s history.
A retrospective exhibition of Nesterova's work Reflections of Time Past was held earlier this year in the State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.