Roses, fruit, wine. 1912 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The composition presents a still life arrangement dominated by floral abundance and rich, tactile textures. A profusion of roses – varying in hue from blush pink to creamy white – forms a dense backdrop, their petals rendered with loose, expressive brushstrokes that suggest both fragility and vitality. The flowers are not meticulously detailed; instead, they coalesce into a mass of color and form, contributing to an overall sense of opulence.
Foregrounded on a draped surface, a selection of fruit is arranged in a seemingly casual manner. Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapes are clustered together, their surfaces reflecting light with varying degrees of intensity. The artist has employed a palette that emphasizes the fruits’ natural colors – the deep reds and oranges contrasting against the vibrant yellows and greens. A bottle of wine and a partially filled glass stand adjacent to the fruit, further enriching the sensory experience evoked by the scene.
The lighting is uneven, creating areas of both intense illumination and deep shadow. This contributes to a sense of depth and volume within the composition. The dark background serves to accentuate the brightness of the objects in the foreground, drawing the viewer’s attention to their materiality.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of commonplace objects, theres an underlying feeling of indulgence and sensory pleasure. The abundance of fruit and wine suggests a celebration or moment of respite. The roses, traditionally associated with beauty and romance, add a layer of emotional complexity. The loose brushwork and somewhat flattened perspective contribute to a sense of immediacy and intimacy, as if the viewer is privy to a private, luxurious moment. Theres an element of melancholy present too; the transient nature of flowers and fruit hints at the fleeting quality of pleasure and beauty.