Mikhail Nesterov (Russian, 1862-1942) religious charcoal mixed media drawing on paper. Signed lower left. Framed. Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov was a Russian and Soviet painter associated with the Peredvizhniki and Mir Iskusstva. He was one of the first exponents of Symbolist art in Russia. In 1901, he wanted to deepen his spiritual appreciation of the monastic life, so he spent some time at the Solovetsky Monastery on the coast of the White Sea. He painted numerous works there and the influence of his visit could be seen in his canvases for many years after. He was also inspired by the novels of Pavel Ivanovich Melnikov, dealing with the lives of the Old Believers in the Volga Region.