Slice Fair Gengane. Brittany Boris Grigoriev (1886-1939)

The composition presents a fragmented scene, divided into two distinct visual fields that interact in a disquieting manner. The left portion is dominated by a dense floral pattern rendered in vibrant reds and pinks, punctuated by large, stylized blooms. Against this backdrop stand three figures resembling dolls or mannequins, their faces exhibiting an unsettling stillness and uniformity. Their attire varies – one wears a patterned dress, another a dark, formal gown, and the third a simple grey garment – yet they share a similar blank expression that contributes to a sense of detachment.
To the right, the background shifts dramatically. Here we see a pattern reminiscent of Delftware pottery, with stylized blue and white floral motifs. Within this space, a small figure in traditional dress stands near what appears to be a miniature carriage pulled by a pale horse. The scale relationship between the figures and the carriage is peculiar; it suggests a world both familiar and distorted.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of artificiality, childhood, and cultural juxtaposition. The dolls/mannequins evoke notions of manufactured innocence and the performance of identity. Their fixed gazes suggest a lack of genuine emotion or agency, hinting at societal pressures to conform. The contrast between the opulent floral background and the starkness of the figures’ expressions creates a tension that underscores this sense of artificiality.
The Delftware-inspired section introduces an element of cultural reference, potentially alluding to traditions and narratives from another time or place. The small figure and carriage suggest a nostalgic longing for simpler times, yet their diminutive size within the larger composition implies a loss of power or significance. Overall, the work conveys a sense of unease and disorientation, prompting reflection on the constructed nature of identity and the complexities of cultural heritage.