Upon meeting the celebrated Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev in 1974, American artist James Wyeth was captivated by the beauty and intricacy of the art of dance, as well as Nureyev's charismatic personality and exceptional talent. The two artists developed a close friendship, and a fruitful collaboration resulted, inspiring Wyeth to produce over 35 paintings and drawings of Nureyev. Capturing Nureyev: James Wyeth Paints the Dancer was organized by the Farnsworth Museum, Rockland, Maine.

Above, left: James Wyeth, Portrait of Rudolf Nureyev—Dress Rehearsal/Raymonda, c. 1977; combined mediums, 19 1/4 x 15 3/8 inches; Collection of the Wyeth Foundation