>Faina Shevchenko, age 21, an actress of the Moscow Art Theatre, was the model for the painting. Kustodiev generally preferred stout women for his paintings, and once remarked that "skinny women do not inspire."[3]
>Shevchenko herself, after viewing the painting at its premiere, reportedly said "Very fat!" Kustodiev replied "As is" and kissed her hand.
The Beauty - Wikipedia