Nikolai Becker

Nikolai (Nicolas) Becker (1877–1962) was a Russian-born artist who later lived in France. Renowned for his portraits, particularly of celebrities and nobility, he also painted striking landscapes.

In the early 20th century, Becker gained recognition as a portrait artist, even painting members of the royal dynasty. He was especially drawn to painting beautiful women, ballerinas, and opera singers, often capturing his subjects at their most elegant moments. His ability to achieve an exceptional likeness made him one of the most sought-after portraitists in Russia. He frequently created detailed preliminary sketches and miniature oil paintings before completing his final works.

Born in St. Petersburg, Becker initially trained as a railway engineer before pursuing private art lessons with I.E. Krachkovsky. He became involved with the St. Petersburg Association of Artists, exhibiting in their annual shows and becoming an associate member in 1913. In 1914, he designed stage scenery for a production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida at the People’s House Theatre in St. Petersburg. He remained in Russia until the 1917 Revolution, after which he relocated to Constantinople.

During his three years in Constantinople, Becker painted 170 portraits, capturing British, American, and French diplomats, military officials, and their families.

By 1924, Becker had settled in Paris, where he exhibited at the Salon of the Society of Beaux-Arts. Over the following years, he worked between the French Riviera, Paris, and Italy, refining his elegant style and earning a reputation as the premier “society portrait artist” of the wealthy and famous. He exhibited at the Salon of the National Society of Fine Arts from 1924 to 1932 and worked extensively in London and Madrid, painting members of English and Spanish nobility. His works adorned mansions and castles throughout Europe, particularly in England.

In the 1950s, Becker moved to New York City, where he continued to paint prolifically despite his advancing age. His later works increasingly reflected his love of nature, often incorporating animals into his portraits.

Although Becker’s portraits were considered some of the finest in the world, most were commissioned and remain in private collections, rarely appearing on the public market.