At the Tea-Table Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

Description of the painting "At the Tea Table" by Konstantin Korovin

The painting "At the Tea Table" is one of the key works of the "Zhukov" cycle. Such a title is not accidental. Korovin lived for a long time in the village of Zhukovka at the dacha of his close friends. It was there that he created many of his masterpieces. His art, without a doubt, should be attributed to the Russian impressionism. In many respects his style, the selection of color solutions and the construction of composition are similar to the manner of the brilliant artist from France Auguste Renoir.

Like Renoir, the master spent a lot of time working with light and air. His paintings are full of lightness and airiness. It is the landscape that plays a paramount role. People in the picture serve more as a complement. This is quite akin to the works of the famous Monet "At the tea table. Interestingly structured composition. It is shifted relative to the center to the left, which creates the impression of looking "from the first person". Korovin himself seems to have been sitting on the chair just a minute ago.

The plot of the painting reflects the ordinary suburban life of the hospitable landlords of the time. The characters are copied from real characters. These are Polenov’s family and his guests. Among them is Natalia, busy sewing. Her face is serene and tranquil. The poses of the others betray a certain uneasiness and the reigning tension.

Thanks to the use of a whole complex of techniques, the canvas looks dynamic. It reminds of a momentary glance at what is happening. The painting includes elements of portrait painting, the best landscape features, a well-read storyline. It is complex and multifaceted, despite its apparent simplicity.