Портрет Прасковии Фешиной (матери художника, урожденной Чистовой) (1916).jpg Nikolay Feshin (1881-1955)

The portrait presents a seated woman engaged in a domestic ritual. She holds a cup and saucer, poised mid-sip, with a samovar prominently positioned on the table before her. The composition is framed by a dark background that isolates the figure and intensifies the warm, golden light illuminating her face and upper body.
The artist employed an impasto technique, evident in the thick application of paint which creates texture and vibrancy across the canvas. Brushstrokes are visible and energetic, contributing to a sense of immediacy and capturing fleeting moments of light and shadow. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – ochres, browns, creams – with subtle touches of blue and pink highlighting facial features and adding depth.
The woman’s expression conveys a quiet contentment; her gaze is direct yet gentle, suggesting both intelligence and a certain weariness. Her attire – a tailored jacket over a lighter blouse – indicates a comfortable middle-class status. The details of the setting – the patterned tablecloth, the ornate samovar – suggest a well-maintained household, steeped in tradition.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a woman taking tea, the painting hints at deeper subtexts. The domesticity portrayed might be interpreted as an emblem of stability and continuity amidst societal upheaval – a refuge from external anxieties. The focused attention on this seemingly mundane activity could signify a celebration of everyday life and the quiet dignity found within it. The somewhat melancholic cast to her expression, coupled with the muted color scheme, suggests a sense of introspection or perhaps a subtle acknowledgement of time’s passage. Ultimately, the work offers an intimate glimpse into a private moment, inviting contemplation on themes of family, memory, and the enduring power of simple rituals.