Buckwheat porridge our mother Vladimir Taburin (1870-1954)

The scene depicts a group of children gathered outdoors, engaged in a communal meal. A large pot sits centrally within the composition, presumably containing the food they are consuming. The children are arranged around it, some seated on the grass and others kneeling or standing. Each child holds a wooden spoon or bowl, actively participating in the shared experience of eating.
The setting appears to be a rural landscape; a dense hedge forms a backdrop, while a large wagon wheel leans against it, suggesting an agricultural context. A simple structure, possibly a makeshift shelter, is visible on the left side of the frame. The overall impression is one of rustic simplicity and domesticity.
Color plays a significant role in establishing the mood. Warm tones – reds, yellows, and browns – dominate the palette, evoking feelings of comfort and warmth. The children’s clothing contributes to this effect; their garments are rendered in vibrant hues that contrast with the green grass and foliage. The woman seated beside the pot is dressed in a yellow headscarf and white dress, which draws attention to her role as caregiver or provider.
Beyond the literal depiction of a meal, the painting seems to explore themes of family, community, and childhood innocence. The children’s expressions – a mixture of concentration, enjoyment, and perhaps even slight mischief – suggest a carefree existence unburdened by adult concerns. The shared pot symbolizes unity and interdependence; it implies that these children are reliant on one another for sustenance and companionship.
The presence of the wagon wheel hints at labor and the cyclical nature of rural life, but its placement in the background keeps it from overshadowing the central focus on the children’s interaction. It serves as a subtle reminder of the broader context within which their lives unfold. The scene conveys a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, idealized through the lens of childhood memory.