In photos of Pavlov, Nesterov saw nothing that stimulated him to paint Pavlov. However, when they met in person, Nesterov was shocked by the originality, spontaneity, and exuberant temperament of a man entering his 9th decade. They became friends. Pavlov's profile and hand gestures in this portrait express palpable irrepressible energy. (Loose translation of text at http://art-nesterov.ru/nesterov/nesterov8.php).