#22854 Boris Kustodiev (1878-1927)

The artwork presents a scene centered around a carousel or merry-go-round. Here we observe two figures prominently positioned: a man and a young girl. The man, dressed in a green jacket and a fur hat, displays a broad smile, suggesting amusement and enjoyment. He appears to be guiding the girl, who is bundled in a blue scarf and hood, seated on a carousel horse beside him. Her expression is less overtly joyful; she seems more reserved or perhaps overwhelmed by the experience.
The composition is characterized by vibrant colors and decorative elements. The carousel itself is richly adorned with patterned fabrics and gilded details, creating an atmosphere of festive extravagance. A backdrop of red and gold further enhances this sense of spectacle. The horse upon which the girl sits is rendered in a stylized manner, its white coat punctuated with dark spots.
Beyond the immediate depiction of amusement park revelry, the painting hints at underlying social dynamics. The man’s confident posture and attire suggest a position of authority or privilege, while the girls more subdued demeanor might imply a difference in status or age. There is an element of paternal guidance present, though it lacks warmth; the interaction appears somewhat formal rather than affectionate.
The overall effect is one of carefully constructed artificiality. The scene feels staged and idealized, suggesting a desire to capture a moment of manufactured happiness. The artist’s use of bright colors and decorative patterns contributes to this sense of theatricality, creating an image that is both charming and subtly unsettling in its portrayal of human interaction within a highly stylized environment.