It is an indication of Grigoriev’s versatility and range of subjects that he was working on Intimité (Intimacy) alongside his major project on rural Russian life, Raseya. Intimité, produced in his trademark style of charcoal on paper, is a remarkably elegant exploration of the French demimonde, dedicated to the prostitutes who posed for the Russian émigré artist during his time in the city in 1918.

Alongside Grigoriev’s drawings, Intimité includes essays by Vsevolod Dmitriev and Vsevolod Voinov, presumably to add some gravitas to what might otherwise be seen simply as a portfolio of Parisian prostitutes.

As well as these drawings, Boris Grigoriev also painted some powerful canvases of his young Parisian models.

Intimité was published by V. M. Yasny, St Petersburg.