Merchant's Wife at Tea by Boris Kustodiev. A woman in a blue headwrap sits at a balcony table overflowing with a samovar, sliced watermelon, and pastries while a cat stands on the railing beside her.

Merchant's Wife at Tea

Boris Kustodiev

1918 · Oil Paint, Canvas

A vibrant and rich portrait of a Russian merchant's wife enjoying tea amidst an opulent feast of fruits and traditional sweets.

$129

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1 frame size

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Where it works

A weightier piece with lively force with quiet neutral notes — holds its place without needing much around it.

Often works in
Living Room · Dining Room · Kitchen
Placement
Strong as a centered anchor on a clear wall
Walls
Versatile across wall tones
Color notes
Soft gray, Charcoal black, Soft white

About the piece

Painted in 1918 by Boris Kustodiev, this celebrated work captures the lush and colorful atmosphere of traditional Russian life. The composition centers on a fair-skinned woman at a balcony table, surrounded by a gleaming samovar, a bright sliced watermelon, and an affectionate cat, all set against a sun-drenched landscape with distant church spires.