On 28th August 2023, a special exhibit ‘Dedication to the Romanovs’ will open at the Poklevsky-Kozell House Museum in Ekaterinburg.

The exhibit will feature seven works by Vasilisa Kudrina, a 12-year-old artist from Nizhnyaya Tura (a town located in the Sverdlovsk region).

Earlier this year the young artist was diagnosed with cancer. She spent 4 months in the Children’s Cancer Center in Ekaterinburg, where she underwent two surgeries and four courses of aggressive chemotherapy. During her recovery Vasilisa found comfort through painting and drawing, it was the Russian Imperial Family who inspired her.

PHOTO: Emperor Nicholas II by Vasilisa Kudrina

PHOTO: Empress Alexandra Feodorovna by Vasilisa Kudrina

PHOTO: Tsesarevich Alexei Nikolaevich by Vasilisa Kudrina

Vasilisa is the eldest of three children of Yulia Kudrina, a photographer from Nizhnyaya Tura. The birth of a girl was a miracle for the family. Vasilisa was born pre-mature and forced to fight for her life. Over time, it seemed that everything was getting better. Vasilisa went to school and began to study well. From an early age, the girl was fascinated by painting and drawing. Today, Vasilisa receives a scholarship at the Children’s Art School from the town of Nizhnyaya Tura.

Her favorite genre is portraits, she draws with gouache, ink, markers, even ordinary pencils. Despite her young age, she already shows great talent. Her portraits are very expressive, especially the eyes of her subjects. Recently, she has been fascinated by digital graphics, and is now drawing on a tablet.

Last year, Vasilisa became very interested in the Romanov dynasty, particularly the last Tsar and his family. Her passion for their history is clearly reflected in her work. She created a whole series of portraits of the Imperial Family in her own special style. In the hospital, where she spent four months, Vasilisa continued to paint and draw. She painted portraits of members of the Imperial Family, including Emperor Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna and their five children.

PHOTO: Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna by Vasilisa Kudrina

PHOTO: Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna by Vasilisa Kudrina

PHOTO: Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna by Vasilisa Kudrina

PHOTO: Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna by Vasilisa Kudrina

When asked about her hobby and her dreams, Vasilisa replied: “I love to paint portraits of people. For example, in the classroom I sometimes draw my classmates, and at home I draw my family. My dream is to study at an art school, and then paint pictures or work somewhere as an artist. I really want to study at the Russian Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. After that, I have not yet made any further plans, but I think that I would like to stay in St. Petersburg and work there in some creative profession.

The exhibition ‘Dedication to the Romanovs’ runs from 28th August to 17th September 2023 at the Poklevsky-Kozell House Museum in Ekaterinburg.

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Dear Reader

Please join me in offering prayers, hugs and words of encouragement to 12-year-old Vasilisa Kudrina – seen in the photo above – in her battle against cancer. May the Holy Royal Martyrs protect her and intercede for her before Christ. We pray that this dear child will make a full recovery.

Holy Royal Martyrs, pray to God for us! ☦️
Святы Царственные мученики, молите Бога о нас! ☦️

© Paul Gilbert. 24 August 2023