Nikolai Sapunov
1880–1912
Nikolai Sapunov worked in painting and stage design during Russian Symbolism. His studies joined independent colour ideas with practical theatrical requirements. In Meyerhold’s productions he helped connect old theatrical masks with contemporary performance. The 1910 Columbine watercolour preserves both actress Khovanskaya’s likeness and a costume proposal. Such sheets reveal a painter working collectively, with line and colour continuing into fabric, bodily movement and stage light.
