mashkov still life (oranges lemons and wine) 1938 Ilya Mashkov (1881-1944)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around citrus fruits and wine. A glass, filled with a dark red liquid, occupies the left foreground, its form reflecting light in a way that suggests depth and transparency. Adjacent to it stands a bottle of wine, its label partially obscured but bearing what appears to be Cyrillic lettering. The bottle’s shape is elongated and somewhat stylized, drawing attention to its verticality.
A cluster of oranges and lemons dominates the central space. The artist rendered them with varying degrees of ripeness; some are whole, others peeled, revealing their segmented interiors. These exposed sections contribute a tactile quality to the scene, inviting a sense of immediacy and consumption. The peels themselves are arranged in a dynamic pattern, creating visual movement across the surface.
The background is deliberately muted, consisting primarily of warm browns and ochres. This subdued backdrop serves to emphasize the vibrancy of the fruits and the reflective qualities of the glass and bottle. A roughly textured tablecloth or surface provides an uneven plane for the arrangement, adding another layer of visual interest.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of everyday objects, the painting seems to explore themes of abundance and sensory pleasure. The careful selection of colors – the deep reds of the wine contrasting with the bright yellows and oranges – suggests a deliberate attempt to evoke feelings of warmth and indulgence. The inclusion of peeled fruit hints at an invitation to partake in this bounty, while the slightly melancholic color palette might also imply a sense of fleeting enjoyment or nostalgia. There is a certain stillness to the scene, as if time has momentarily paused, allowing for quiet contemplation of simple pleasures.