Коровин Константин 1861 1939 Северная идиллия 1886 Холст масло 113х153 см часть 1 - Russian and soviet artists Русские и советские художники

The canvas presents a pastoral scene imbued with a sense of tranquil nostalgia. A vast expanse of verdant meadow dominates the foreground, densely populated with wildflowers that suggest a late summer or early autumn setting. The landscape gently rises towards a distant treeline, punctuated by a pale crescent moon visible in the dusky sky.
A group of figures occupies the lower portion of the composition. A young man reclines on the grass, playing a flute; his posture is relaxed and languid, suggesting contentment and ease. Beside him sits a woman, adorned with flowers woven into her hair, who appears to be listening intently to the music. Standing behind them are three women dressed in traditional attire – white shirts embroidered with intricate patterns, paired with vibrant red skirts. Their poses convey a mixture of curiosity and gentle amusement as they observe the musical performance.
The artist’s use of color contributes significantly to the overall mood. The dominant green hues of the meadow evoke feelings of freshness and vitality, while the soft blues and grays of the sky create an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. The red garments of the standing women provide a striking contrast against the surrounding palette, drawing the viewers eye and adding a touch of vibrancy to the scene.
The painting’s composition is carefully balanced; the horizontal expanse of the meadow anchors the image, while the verticality of the figures provides visual interest. The placement of the moon in the upper right corner subtly guides the gaze across the landscape, reinforcing the sense of depth and spaciousness.
Subtly embedded within this idyllic portrayal are hints of a yearning for an idealized past. The traditional dress worn by the women suggests a connection to rural heritage and folk traditions. The musical performance itself evokes a sense of communal harmony and simple pleasures – values that may have been particularly cherished during a period of social change. The overall effect is one of wistful remembrance, capturing a fleeting moment of beauty and tranquility in a rapidly evolving world.