Niko Pirosmani - Bear in the Moonlight, 1913

Niko Pirosmani (1862–1918) was a self-taught Georgian painter best known for his distinctive primitive style, which conveyed a raw, direct vision of life. Born in the village of Mirzaani in the Kakheti region, Pirosmani came from a peasant family and received only a basic education. He worked various odd jobs, including as a shepherd, sign painter, and shopkeeper, all while pursuing his passion for art.
Pirosmani's artwork is characterized by its simple, naïve forms, flat compositions, and vibrant colors. He often painted on black oilcloth, which gave his works a unique, intense quality. His subjects were frequently drawn from everyday life, including animals, rural scenes, and folk celebrations, but he also painted idealized portraits of royalty, saints, and the wealthy patrons he sought to attract.
Despite his talent, Pirosmani lived in poverty for most of his life, with little recognition from the broader art world. His work only gained significant attention after his death, when he was championed by avant-garde artists and critics who appreciated his originality and the sincerity of his vision. Today, Pirosmani is regarded as one of Georgia’s most important and beloved artists, his works celebrated for their folk authenticity and emotional depth.
He remains a symbol of the solitary, misunderstood artist, whose genius was recognized too late, but whose influence endures.