Russian Portraits by Clare Sheridan

"Russian Portraits" by Clare Sheridan is a collection of memoirs written in the early 20th century. The author recounts her experiences in post-revolutionary Russia, capturing her interactions with notable Bolshevik figures such as Kameneff and Trotsky, while exploring the complexities of art and politics in that era. Sheridan's narrative is not just focused on the political landscape; it provides vivid insights into the human aspects of its key figures, as she aims to create artistic portraits amidst a tumultuous backdrop. At the start of the memoir, Sheridan reflects on her reluctant venture into documenting her experiences in Russia, sparked by her role as a portrait artist. She details her initial encounters with Mr. Kameneff, an important Soviet leader, as they negotiate the terms of her sit for his bust. The opening chapters illustrate her fascination and trepidation regarding the revolutionary context, depicting her observations of the clerks in Kameneff's office as symbols of the new socio-political order. Sheridan also shares lively conversations with her sitters, revealing their views on art, society, and evolving ideologies, all while grappling with the dissonance between her British upbringing and the vibrant yet chaotic environment surrounding her.