Paris this morning. 1920 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The canvas presents a cityscape bathed in the diffused light characteristic of early morning. Here we observe a Parisian street scene, rendered with a loose and impressionistic brushstroke. The composition is dominated by horizontal lines – the rooftops of buildings, the awnings shading storefronts, and the dense foliage of trees lining the boulevard. These elements create a sense of breadth and tranquility.
The palette is restrained, primarily utilizing muted greens, blues, greys, and touches of ochre to depict the urban environment and vegetation. The light appears soft and filtered, casting long shadows across the cobblestone street, which contributes to the overall atmosphere of quietude. A single automobile occupies a central position within the scene, suggesting the gradual integration of modern technology into everyday life.
Several figures are scattered throughout the composition – pedestrians strolling along the sidewalk, their forms suggested rather than precisely defined. Their presence hints at the rhythm and flow of urban existence, yet they remain secondary to the overall impression of stillness. The artist has deliberately avoided sharp details, opting instead for a generalized depiction that prioritizes atmosphere over precise representation.
Subtly, the painting conveys a sense of recovery and renewal. The muted colors and soft light evoke a feeling of gentleness, perhaps alluding to a city rebuilding after a period of conflict or upheaval. The presence of the automobile, while indicative of modernity, is not presented as jarring or disruptive; it blends seamlessly into the established urban fabric.
The composition’s emphasis on horizontal lines and subdued tones fosters a contemplative mood, inviting viewers to pause and observe the quiet beauty of an ordinary morning in a bustling city. Its a moment captured – fleeting and ephemeral – that speaks to the resilience and enduring charm of urban life.