Mrs. Feshina with her daughter (1925) Nikolay Feshin (1881-1955)

The composition presents a domestic interior scene, suffused with a warm, muted light that suggests late afternoon or early evening. Here we see two figures – a mother and child – engaged in what appears to be a shared meal or snack. The child, positioned closer to the viewer, is actively eating, while the woman observes with a gentle attentiveness. Their faces are partially obscured by shadow and the angle of view, contributing to an overall sense of quiet intimacy.
The artist has employed a loose, impressionistic brushstroke throughout, softening edges and blending colors to create a hazy atmosphere. This technique lends a dreamlike quality to the scene, diminishing sharp detail in favor of capturing the play of light and texture. The surfaces are rendered with a tactile quality; one can almost feel the sheen of the polished metal teapot and samovar dominating the left side of the canvas, as well as the plushness of the tablecloth draped across the table.
A still life arrangement occupies the foreground – a collection of fruit (oranges, apples) presented on an ornate silver platter. This element introduces a sense of abundance and prosperity, yet its placement feels somewhat secondary to the human interaction taking place. The objects are not arranged in a formal or studied manner; rather, they appear casually placed, reinforcing the impression of everyday life.
The background is indistinct, suggesting a room beyond the immediate focus. Hints of patterned wallpaper and architectural details emerge from the shadows, but these remain largely undefined. This deliberate ambiguity directs the viewer’s attention towards the figures and their relationship.
Subtly, theres an undercurrent of melancholy present. The subdued lighting, the partially obscured faces, and the slightly muted color palette contribute to a feeling of quiet introspection rather than exuberant joy. It is not a scene of boisterous celebration but one of understated domesticity – a moment captured in time that speaks to the complexities of familial bonds and the passage of days. The overall effect is one of poignant tenderness, hinting at a narrative beyond what is immediately visible on the surface.