Nicolai Fechin Original Vintage Russian American Taos Modern School Post Impressionist Indigenous Portrait Oil Painting
Original vintage portrait of an indigenous man in culturally traditional attire by Russian American post-impressionist modern master painter, Nicolai Fechin (1881-1955). The painting is splendorous in vibrant color and dynamic brushwork. The medium is oil on Blue Boy Brand Frederix canvas board, and measures 9" x 12". The painting is in very good condition, with no visible flaws albeit a very small white mark in the lower left along the left side edge that appears to be paint transfer potentially by the artist in creation. The painting is estimated to have been created in the early 1950s, (or late 1940s), and is a wonderful example of the artist's work. The painting is signed in the upper and lower left portions of the painting. In the mid right area, to the right of the main image/ portrait, there appears to be a faded notation that appears to read "Paquito" or something very similar. This may be the name or nickname of the male subject in the painting or his tribal affiliation.
Nicolai Fechin was born in Kazan, Russia in 1881. His father was an icon maker, woodcarver, and guilder. Fechin learned carving from him at a young age.
Nicolai Fechin attended Kazan School of Art. Later, he attended the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Peterburg, where he was a student of Ilya Repin. He was awarded the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1909, and traveled extensively throughout Europe, exploring different scenes and styles. His work was first exhibited in the United States at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh in 1910.
Fechin and his family immigrated to the U.S. in 1923, after the Russian Revolution, settling in New York City. After a few years, he developed tuberculosis and then moved to Taos, New Mexico, for a drier climate, in 1927.
In Taos, Fechin was inspired by the Native American peoples and the Southwestern landscape. He integrated his Russian artistic heritage with American influences in his works. He purchased a two-story adobe house in Taos and renovated it with Russian and Pueblo Revival architectural styles. The house is now the Taos Art Museum.
After divorcing his wife Alexandra in 1933, Fechun eventually settled in Southern California, in Santa Monica (Los Angeles), where he became a naturalized American citizen. He continued to paint portraits and landscapes, and his work was widely exhibited, and acclaimed.
Nicolai Fechin's work is characterized by vibrant colors, dynamic brushwork, and emotional depth. He often focused on capturing the essence and character of his subjects, particularly in the indigenous communities.
Nicolai Fechin passed away in Santa Monica, California, in 1955.
Nicolai Fechin's contributions endure within art communities today, and his work is housed in numerous museums and collections worldwide, including the Taos Art Museum, the Stark Muswum of Art, and the Frye Art Museum.
Nicolai Fechin's unique artistic vision, technical mastery, and the ability to bridge diverse cultural influences continue to inspire artists and art lovers throughout the world.
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