Reading a Letter
Nikolai Bogadanov-Belsky
1892
This is a very early work of the artist, as he was only 22 when he painted this. Both this painting and A Portrait of Natalia by Aleksandrov are of young women in “casual” attire in informal situations. Gee… it looks as though the only thing that’s changed is the clothing! The people themselves are still the same sinful-ginfuls that’ve existed since the time of the Garden. Beware of all who speak of “different rules for different times”. Do check your handbag to see if your wallet is still there intact…
