Boris Mestchersky, Côte d’Azur: Villas, 1923 – Oil on Canvas

A richly layered early work by Prince Boris Alekseevich Mestchersky (1889–1957), Côte d’Azur: Villas (1923) captures the terraced architecture and leafy seclusion of the French Riviera in a stylized, rhythmic composition. Signed and dated at lower right, the painting belongs to the artist’s Parisian period and reflects his transition from plein air studies to a more structured, almost scenographic use of space.

The scene is painted in oil on canvas, featuring Mediterranean villas with terracotta roofs partially obscured by climbing vines and dense greenery. The bold compositional framing—where foliage acts almost like a curtain—foreshadows Mestchersky’s later work in set design and religious mural painting. This piece stands as a rare landscape from the early 1920s, just before the artist shifted toward ecclesiastical and theatrical commissions.

Born in 1889 to a noble Russian family, Mestchersky trained in Paris under Maurice Denis and co-founded a religious art studio before immigrating to the U.S. in 1937. There, he continued his career as a muralist and scenic designer, completing public commissions such as the Eaton Rapids post office mural in 1939.

Condition:
In fair condition with age-appropriate wear. There is minor paint loss throughout, the largest area measuring approximately 1/8" x 1/4" near the lower foliage. Surface craquelure is visible but stable. No evidence of overpainting or prior restoration. Presented in a carved wood frame with no glass; frame shows light wear to edges.

Dimensions:
Overall: 19 x 16 inches
Visible image: 16 x 13 inches