Still Life with Lobster. 1930 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around two marine organisms: a fish and a lobster. They rest upon a roughly textured surface, likely a table or countertop, which is rendered in muted greens and browns. The background is dark and indistinct, suggesting an interior space with limited light. A blurred, vertical element – possibly a curtain or draped fabric – is visible behind the main subjects, adding depth but remaining secondary to the foreground elements.
The fish dominates the left side of the canvas. It’s depicted in a somewhat flattened perspective, its scales suggested through short, energetic brushstrokes of pink and white against a pale flesh tone. The eye is rendered with a stark intensity that draws immediate attention. To the right of the fish lies the lobster, its dark, segmented body contrasting sharply with the lighter tones of the fish. Its claws are prominently displayed, their sharp angles and textured surfaces adding to the overall tactile quality of the work.
The artist’s technique emphasizes materiality. The paint application is thick and visible, contributing to a sense of immediacy and physicality. Theres an absence of idealization; these are not presented as symbols of beauty or abundance but rather as raw, tangible objects. This approach lends a certain weightiness to the scene, suggesting a focus on the inherent qualities of the subjects themselves.
Subtextually, the arrangement evokes themes of mortality and transience. The depiction of fresh seafood implies consumption and decay – a reminder of life’s cyclical nature. The stark contrast between the fishs vulnerable appearance and the lobster’s defensive posture might suggest a commentary on power dynamics or survival instincts. The muted color palette and somber lighting contribute to an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, inviting reflection on the fragility of existence and the inevitability of change. The deliberate lack of context – no indication of who prepared this arrangement or for what purpose – further amplifies the sense of universal significance.