Russian cubist style painting, oil on canvas by Marie Vassilieff, signed in the lower right. A striking modernist portrait of a masculine woman pondering. Provenance: Alain Weill Expert in Paris. Marie Vassilieff was born in Smolensk, Russia. In 1903 she gave up studies in medicine and entered the Academy of Fine Arts in Saint Petersburg. In 1906 she traveled to Paris to continue her studies. In 1907 Vassilieff began her studies with Henri Matisse. Then in 1910 along with several other Russian artists she founded the Russian Academy of Painting and Sculpture, she became the director. Also in 1910 Vassilieff exhibited her works for the first time at the Salon des Indépendants, and the Salon d'Automne. She continued to exhibit at the salon regularly. Always a true modernist, Vassilieff was among the Parisian avant-garde that left a legacy in passion and ingenuity. In her paintings, costume designs, and her incredible puppets, she expressed her unique creativity. Vassilieff's atelier is now the Musée Montparnasse, nestled in a charming vine covered ally on the Avenue du Maine. This museum is dedicated to the artists of Montparnasse. Overall size: 48 x 40 1/2 in. Sight size: 38 1/2 x 31 in. Please note that all sales are final. No refunds will be given under any circumstances.