At breakfast Zinaida Serebryakova (1884-1967)

Description of Zinaida Serebryakova’s painting "At Lunch" (At Breakfast)

The painting "At Lunch" (another title is "At Breakfast") is one of the most famous in the work of the Russian artist Zinaida Serebryakova. It is known to depict the artist’s own children. Their mother depicted them sitting at the table waiting for the meal.

When looking at the picture, one might assume that the children are waiting for lunch, but in fact it was breakfast. Hence there is some confusion about the title of the painting. But the explanation is simple: the artist’s family lived then (in 1914) according to the European mode of the day. They had a small breakfast early in the morning followed by a large breakfast at noon, which in our days is considered a lunch.

This portrait is painted in such a way that the viewer does not get the impression that the guys are posing. On the contrary, one gets the impression that they are quite active. This is especially evident in Shurik, who turns around to look at his mother. It is as if he is waiting for her to join in the meal. He himself has already begun to eat his soup. His brother, Zhenya, who used to be a calmer child, is only drinking water for now. But we see his grandmother’s hands pouring soup for him, too. Their little sister, putting her chubby hand right on the plate, looks at her mother-artist with testing eyes. Each of the three children has a different expression and pose. The children are dressed in modest, but smart clothes.

You should also pay attention to how the table is set. This is done in the noble traditions of those times: a snow-white tablecloth, napkins folded in a special way, an elegant decanter and a porcelain service. Among the latter the painted porcelain tureen draws particular attention, which creates for a modern person the deceptive impression that the picture depicts a dinner. Such a serving of the table reminds us of the old days, when life was more peaceful and measured. However, there are other, simpler items on the table: glasses, a sugar bowl, a milk jug. And when we look at the appetizing ruddy buns, it is as if we can feel the aroma emanating from them.

Serebryakova’s painting is amazingly touching, poetic and spiritual. It’s impossible not to be moved, looking at these lively sincere faces of children. In their eyes we seem to see a reflection of their pure, innocent souls. The artist created many of her works in such a manner, it was her special handwriting and style.