Child of Taos (1927-1933) Nikolay Feshin (1881-1955)

In this oil painting, Child of Taos, a young child with dark hair and serious eyes is depicted from the chest up, directly facing the viewer. The child wears a dark purple garment with a green trim and is draped with what appears to be a white shawl. The background is rendered in broad, impressionistic strokes of muted yellows, browns, and darker tones, suggesting an abstract or loosely defined interior space. The childs face is the most detailed element, with distinct features and a contemplative expression. The painting utilizes thick impasto, evident in the textured application of paint, particularly in the clothing and background, which gives the artwork a sense of depth and dynamism.

The subtexts of this painting can be interpreted in several ways:

• Innocence and Seriousness: The childs youth contrasts with their direct, somewhat somber gaze, hinting at a wisdom or experience beyond their years. This could represent the realities of life in a place like Taos, New Mexico, which has a rich and complex history.
• Cultural Identity: The title, Child of Taos, strongly suggests a focus on the cultural identity of the child, likely of Native American or Hispanic heritage, which is common in the Taos region. The clothing and the subjects features hint at this. The painting could be a celebration or an exploration of this identity.
• Artistic Interpretation of Place: Taos has long been an artist colony, and paintings from this region often capture the unique light, landscape, and people. This artwork can be seen as an artists personal interpretation of a child from this specific environment, emphasizing the character and spirit of the subject within their locale.
• The Power of Observation: The artists technique, with its bold brushwork and focus on light and color, suggests a desire to capture the essence of the child beyond a mere photographic likeness. Its about the feeling and presence of the subject as perceived by the artist.