Early spring Konstantin Kryzhitsky (1858-1911)

Description of Konstantin Kryzhitsky’s painting Early Spring

Not yet the snow has completely melted off the ground, not yet gone water after the flood, but on the trees are either buds or young leaves and huge blackening nests of crows or other rather large birds. Or maybe it was the rooks who had time to prepare their dwellings. Under the trees, the cows lay down on the ground, still warmed by the stingy rays of the sun. But this first warmth gives them an incomparable pleasure after the cold winter.

Behind the cows are bushes with last year’s red foliage. Apparently, they stood like that for the whole winter, and now they beautifully shade the brown earth and the first greenery.

This is how the artist Konstantin Kryzhitsky sees early spring. And also on his canvas, which is called "Early Spring," the amazing sky, such can only be seen in April or May.

The freshness and purity of spring resonate in the canvas with spiritual purity, and the church, lost in the light haze, reminds us of this. Its white walls are illuminated by the sun, the golden cupolas have highlights, but the brightest of all is the spring green roof. It is barely brighter than the young grass.

And a little closer to the temple are the same tall trees with nests. They stand on a very small island, and all around is flooded with water, which also extends into the distance. The painting is distinguished by its expressive depth, the elaborateness of the plans.

At first it is perceived as flat, as the view falls on the nearby trees, but then you notice cows under them, and suddenly a wonderful panorama opens up, full of quiet joy and at the same time thoughtfulness. Like many of the artist’s works, this one looks very realistic.

It seems the wind blows and the branches move, bushes rustle, and the water is covered with even more ripples. And only the remnants of snow will remain motionless, reminding us of the recent blizzards.