Manuelita with Kachina

Nicolai Fechin
Russia, 1881-1955
Manuelita With Kachina
Oil on canvas, 1932
Bequest of Mrs. Henry A. Everett
1938:25
© San Diego Museum of Art

When In Time

1879
Thomas Edison invents the electric light

1881
Nicolai Fechin born in Russia

1903

First box of crayons

1917
Bolshevik Revolution happens in Russia and Fechin's family moves to the U.S.

1932
Fechin paints Manuelita with Kachina

1947

Edwin Land develops the first Polaroid camera

1955
Nicolai Fechin dies

Who What Where When Why

Who is the artist?
Nicolai Fechin

What is the name of the artwork?
Manuelita with Kachina

What materials were used?
Oil paint on canvas

Where is the artist from?
Russia

When was the artwork made?
1932

Who?

Nicolai Fechin was born in Kazan, Russia in 1881. In 1910 he received the Prix de Rome Award for an artwork he created. This was a scholarship that allowed him to visit big cities in Europe that were known for their art. He was able to do this for an entire year! Eventually, he and his family were able to move to the United States and settle in New York then in New Mexico. Fechin is most famous for his portraits and paintings of the Southwest.

Why?

In this image, Manuelita, a young child, holds a traditional Kachina doll. These dolls were given to children of the Hopi and Zuni tribes to help them learn about tribal culture. Manuelita was a popular model for Fechin and other artists that lived in New Mexico. Nicolai Fechin really liked New Mexico because the colorful costumes of the Indians and Mexican Americans inspired him and caught his attention.

What is Manuelita holding in her hand? What is a Kachina doll?

Where do you think the artist painted this portrait? What makes you think that?

What can we learn about Manuelita by looking at this portrait of her?

If an artist was to paint of portrait of you, what personal objects would you include? What would these objects tell about who you are and what is important to you?

Glossary Terms

Kachina doll – A carved doll, dressed in a costume, of a particular spirit of the Pueblo Native Americans.
Portrait – A picture of a person, usually showing the face.