Seller fruit. 1906 Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The drawing presents a figure carrying a large tray laden with fruit. The subject is rendered in a stylized manner, employing bold outlines and simplified forms that suggest a theatrical or costume design rather than a straightforward portrait. A warm, earthy palette dominates – ochre tones for the background and skin, contrasted by purple hues for the lower garment and red accents on the feet.
The man’s posture conveys a sense of weary resilience. He stands with his legs slightly apart, shoulders hunched under the weight of the tray, his gaze directed forward but lacking animation. The fruit itself is depicted in a similarly simplified fashion, appearing as colorful shapes rather than realistically rendered objects. This reduction contributes to an overall feeling of abstraction and symbolic representation.
The handwritten script surrounding the figure introduces another layer of complexity. These annotations, seemingly integrated into the composition, are illegible without translation but suggest that this work may have been part of a larger project involving textual elements or notes related to its creation. The presence of writing also implies a narrative context beyond the visual depiction.
The costume itself is noteworthy. It combines elements suggestive of classical antiquity with touches of exoticism – the draped fabric evokes Roman or Greek attire, while the wide belt and loose trousers hint at influences from Eastern cultures. This blending of styles contributes to an ambiguous sense of place and time, further distancing the image from a specific historical setting.
The bare feet are significant; they ground the figure in a tangible reality despite the stylized rendering and unusual costume. They also imply a certain humility or lack of privilege, contrasting with the abundance represented by the fruit he carries. The drawing seems to explore themes of labor, sustenance, and cultural exchange through a lens of theatricality and symbolic representation.