Herring. 1918 Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin (1878-1939)

Description of Kuzma Petrov Vodkin’s painting "Herring

Petrov-Vodkin saw the world in his own way. This was expressed in the unusual perspective he liked to choose for his paintings, in their unusual composition and form. Each of his works is endowed with a special expressiveness. There are not so many details in his works, but they are deep and sensual.

Food was often the subject of his still life paintings. At first glance, the food as primitive as possible, but it is portrayed solemnly.

We see a table covered instead of tablecloths with pink paper. From beneath the paper you can see a canvas of an earlier work by the artist. His signature can even be discerned in the corner. Most likely this is not a table. The two stools were simply moved and the painting was placed on them. This bright paper has been laid to prevent the surface from being damaged.

The perspective is surprisingly absurd. The table seems to be tilted in our direction. It gives the impression that in a moment more, all objects will inevitably roll to the floor. In front of us are a couple of potatoes, a piece of rye bread, and one herring, which is slightly rusty.

For contrast, the herring lies on the paper in bright blue. It seems that the author received this very simple ration that he had been waiting for. He brought it to his home and decided to share this simple joy with his friends.

In those days herring was the only delicacy that ordinary people could afford. Everyone was pretty fed up with it, as they ate it all the time. But if you really wanted to eat, then great joy delivered and this ordinary product.

Petrov-Vodkin depicted very few objects. But the master was able to convey the peculiarities of the whole time. His mastery in truthfulness, honesty and clearly felt optimism.