Still life with a portrait of V.V. Pertsova Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

This painting is a still life that includes a portrait of a woman, identified as V.V. Pertsova. The scene is set indoors, with a window looking out onto a winter landscape visible on the left. The foreground is dominated by two arrangements of flowers in decorative vases.

The larger vase, made of a polished, metallic material, holds a vibrant bouquet of various colored roses, including pink, red, and yellow. Its reflective surface mirrors the scene, offering a distorted glimpse of the room and the window. To the left, a smaller, golden vase also contains a cluster of roses, predominantly in shades of pink and white.

Behind the flowers, the figure of V.V. Pertsova is depicted. She is shown in a light blue or green dress, her gaze directed towards the viewer. She appears serene and perhaps a little distant. The background consists of warm, glowing curtains, bathed in what seems to be natural light streaming from the window.

The painting is executed in oils with a visible brushwork, creating a sense of texture and movement. The colors are rich and warm, with a strong emphasis on light and shadow, characteristic of Impressionist or Post-Impressionist styles.

The subtexts of this painting might include:

• Harmony between interior and exterior: The juxtaposition of the intimate indoor setting with the stark winter landscape outside could suggest a contrast between warmth and cold, or perhaps a contemplative mood regarding the world beyond the home.
• Beauty and transience: The presence of abundant flowers, while beautiful, also symbolizes the fleeting nature of life and beauty. This theme is further amplified by the portrait of a woman, hinting at the passage of time and the ephemeral quality of human existence.
• Elegance and sophistication: The ornate vases, the dress of the sitter, and the overall refined composition contribute to an aura of elegance and a certain social standing.
• Reflection and self-awareness: The reflective surface of the large vase offers a metaphorical layer. It mirrors the surroundings and the figures, possibly alluding to introspection, self-awareness, or the way we perceive ourselves and others.
• The role of women in society: The portrait of V.V. Pertsova within a domestic scene, surrounded by symbols of beauty and leisure, might offer a glimpse into the life and societal role of women of that era.