Tolstoy with His Daughter Maria Obolenskaya at Yasnaya Polyana

What it is

This black-and-white photograph was taken in 1906 by Vladimir Chertkov. It shows an elderly, white-haired, bearded man seated beside a younger woman with dark upswept hair, identified as Tolstoy's daughter Maria Lvovna (Obolenskaya), at his estate Yasnaya Polyana.

Why it matters

The photograph gives a glimpse of Tolstoy's family life in his later years. It was taken by Chertkov, one of his closest followers and later his biographer and publisher, showing how Tolstoy's circle of followers and family overlapped.

Look closer

• What does the pose and clothing of the two figures suggest about their relationship?
• Why might Chertkov, a follower rather than a family member, have taken this family photo?
• What is missing from this image about the wider family and household at Yasnaya Polyana?