Winter Boris Kustodiev (1878-1927)

Description of the painting "Winter" by Boris Kustodiev

Б. M. Kustodiev devoted a number of unique paintings to the description of winter landscapes. As an artist who was optimistic and focused on the best aspects of life, he was interested in colorful celebrations and folk amusements.

The 1916 painting Winter belongs to the Maslenitsa series of works. In other versions, the Russian artist’s canvas shows crowded festivities in honor of the farewell to winter. "Winter. 1916" is an abbreviated sample of provincial life of Russian people against the background of a snow-covered landscape.

Boris Mikhailovich’s masterpieces are as colorful as gingerbread houses. In the picture presented, the eye catches sight of smart wagons. Young ladies, ruddy with frost, look out of the sleigh. They are covered with a scarlet blanket. The back of the cart is painted with a bouquet of roses. Even the horse appears in a rich attire: surrounded by gold and flowers.

A group of villagers is seated further away: they are having fun, echoing the harmonica playing. On the left can be seen small figures of people sliding down the hill. Looking deeper into the picture, we notice the town-type outbuildings and the main square. The architecture is represented by the tops of church buildings.

On the side closest to the viewer we can see distinct human footprints in the snow. So, the picture is as if calling us to join in the winter fun: to play snowballs, to ride a sled, smiling at the frost biting our cheeks.

The trees are in bloom with snow flowers. The sky is rosy with dawn, seeing off a flock of birds as they fly away. One gets the impression of bright joy and serene happiness when looking at Kustodiev’s winter.

Inspiring life in all its manifestations, the Russian artist shares with the audience his love for national motifs and traditions. We see the Russian countryside as jubilant, pure as white snow and blooming with the embroidered scarves of women.

People enjoy the harmony with the surrounding nature, which in return presents us with picturesquely beautiful landscapes.