apple and cherry. 1917 Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin (1878-1939)

The composition presents a still life arrangement featuring two fruits – an apple and a cherry – laid upon a draped surface. The apple dominates the visual field, its substantial size immediately drawing attention. Its coloration is complex; hues of red, yellow, and green blend across its rounded form, suggesting both ripeness and subtle imperfections. A small bite mark is visible on one side, introducing an element of narrative or consumption.
The cherry, significantly smaller in scale, rests near the lower edge of the frame. It appears intensely saturated in color, a deep crimson that contrasts with the apple’s more varied tones. The short stem extending from the cherry adds a delicate, almost fragile quality to the arrangement.
The background is rendered as a loosely draped fabric, executed in muted blues and grays. This backdrop does not offer clear definition but instead contributes to an overall sense of atmospheric depth. The folds and creases of the cloth are suggested through broad brushstrokes and tonal variations, creating a texture that echoes the roundness of the fruits themselves.
The lighting appears diffused, eliminating harsh shadows and contributing to a soft, almost melancholic mood. There is a deliberate avoidance of precise detail; forms are simplified and rendered with an expressive looseness. This approach moves beyond mere representation towards a focus on color relationships and textural qualities.
Subtly, the arrangement evokes themes of abundance and transience. The bitten apple hints at decay and loss, while the small cherry suggests vulnerability and fleeting beauty. The muted palette and understated composition lend themselves to an introspective quality, inviting contemplation rather than overt emotional response. The work seems less concerned with celebrating the fruits as objects and more interested in exploring their symbolic potential within a carefully constructed visual space.