#43776 Boris Kustodiev (1878-1927)
Boris Kustodiev – #43776
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Painter: Boris Kustodiev
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The painting Merchant’s Woman at Tea encapsulates all the originality of the creative method of the artist Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev. The image of the merchant’s wife, a burly beautiful Russian woman with a round face and a healthy smile, is in the opinion of art critics a favorite of the artist. In the painting the merchant’s wife is depicted drinking tea from a saucer at a large table. On the table there is a samovar and dishes with a variety of viands (the artist particularly clearly painted images of fruit, grapes, watermelon, apples).
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Description of Boris Kustodiev’s painting "Merchant’s Woman at Tea
The painting Merchant’s Woman at Tea encapsulates all the originality of the creative method of the artist Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev. The image of the merchant’s wife, a burly beautiful Russian woman with a round face and a healthy smile, is in the opinion of art critics a favorite of the artist.
In the painting the merchant’s wife is depicted drinking tea from a saucer at a large table. On the table there is a samovar and dishes with a variety of viands (the artist particularly clearly painted images of fruit, grapes, watermelon, apples). On the table there are also many beautiful and expensive dishes and traditional Russian food: pirozhki, white bread, jam. In the background you can see scenes from the life of the old merchant Moscow: the white-stone church, shopping rows, a grove and monastery buildings.
The merchantess herself is young and beautiful, she has a pleasant full face, a kerchief covering her hair tied up at the ends, big gold earrings and her lips circled in red lipstick. The artist carefully paints her white neck and shoulders, as well as a nice dark blue dress with a small brooch as jewelry.
There is also a certain irony in this picture, as if the artist allows the viewer to smile wickedly when he sees the full and kind merchant’s wife and her feast. However, the irony here is soft, not evoking any negative feelings.
It would seem that there is nothing mysterious in this ordinary domestic sketch, but this is not the case. The image of the merchant’s wife is deeply symbolic, because the artist painted this picture in 1918, a turning point in our country’s history, when some thought that Russia was lost and would never reborn.
And the Russian merchant’s wife, with her well-organized way of life, plenty of food, a big cat with its back arched in anticipation of affection, and a simple, measured life was seen by the artist as an image of the future of the country, which, having survived all the turmoil, will return to the traditional order of existence.
COMMENTS: 3 Ответы
Вылитая Мордюкова из "Женитьбы Бальзаминова"!
замечательная картина, очень легко собрать
да!!!! у наших художников самые лучшие картины!!!
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The table before her overflows with abundance: a large slice of watermelon takes prominence, alongside grapes, apples, oranges, pastries, and various vessels containing beverages. The arrangement suggests a celebration or indulgence, yet the woman’s demeanor introduces an element of ambiguity. A domestic cat rests on the tables edge, adding to the scenes sense of comfortable opulence.
Behind the figure, the townscape is rendered in vibrant colors, with the church spires acting as visual anchors. Several figures are discernible in the distance, seemingly engaged in leisurely activities within the urban setting. The sky displays a soft, diffused light, contributing to an overall atmosphere of tranquility.
The artist’s use of color and composition creates a sense of layered meaning. While the scene initially conveys prosperity and ease, the womans expression and the slightly muted palette hint at underlying complexities. The juxtaposition of abundance with introspection suggests themes of societal excess, personal reflection, or perhaps even a subtle critique of privilege. The inclusion of the cat, often associated with domesticity and comfort, reinforces this sense of contained luxury.
The painting’s subtexts invite consideration of the relationship between material wealth and emotional depth, prompting viewers to question the true cost of indulgence and the nature of contentment within a society marked by visible disparities.