Mother. 1915 Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin (1878-1939)
Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin – Mother. 1915
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Painter: Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin
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In his painting, Russian artist Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin depicted a young woman breastfeeding her child. It was no accident that the artist turned to the theme of motherhood in 1912. For six years, he and his beloved wife Mara unsuccessfully tried to conceive a child. That’s why at that time he painted one picture after another, depicting motherhood, thus asking God for his own happiness. And only 10 years after the picture "Mother," on October 1, 1922, Kuzma Sergeyevich’s wife finally gave birth to the long-awaited child.
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Description of Kuzma Petrov Vodkin’s painting Mother
In his painting, Russian artist Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin depicted a young woman breastfeeding her child. It was no accident that the artist turned to the theme of motherhood in 1912. For six years, he and his beloved wife Mara unsuccessfully tried to conceive a child.
That’s why at that time he painted one picture after another, depicting motherhood, thus asking God for his own happiness. And only 10 years after the picture "Mother," on October 1, 1922, Kuzma Sergeyevich’s wife finally gave birth to the long-awaited child. They even said that before the birth, he saw his little daughter in a dream...
The canvas "Mother" is done in the artist’s favorite red color scheme. The semantic center of this painting is the figure of a young peasant woman who is feeding her child in a Russian hut.
At first glance one cannot see anything remarkable about her - a young peasant girl of unremarkable appearance, wearing clothes common for those times. But examining the subject in more detail, one begins to notice that the woman’s posture and gestures are involuntarily reminiscent of Renaissance Madonnas or the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus with an innocent child in her arms.
In a painting by Petrov-Vodkin, the child is lying perfectly carefree and drinking the milk of a nursing mother. It is not for nothing that artists and iconographers of all times are inspired by the theme of motherhood, because it represents both love, protection and care, which surrounds and protects not only children, but also everything around.
The figure of the woman gathers all around her, without which it is difficult for a person to exist on this sinful earth, to truly respond to the pain of others and rush to their aid. After all, the mother not only gives life, she is at the same time the Motherland and the source of each person’s life, which cannot be replaced by anything.
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The woman’s expression is one of quiet intensity; her gaze directed forward, seemingly beyond the viewer, suggesting a state of introspection or perhaps weary resolve. The headscarf covering her hair emphasizes the simplicity of her existence while also hinting at modesty and tradition. Her clothing – a light blue blouse and a vibrant red skirt – provides a stark contrast in color that draws attention to her form. The infant’s face is partially obscured, but its vulnerability is palpable; the artist has rendered it with delicate detail, emphasizing the fragility of new life.
The palette employed is earthy and muted, reflecting the austerity of rural existence. However, the red skirt introduces a note of vibrancy, possibly symbolizing vitality or resilience amidst hardship. The light source appears to originate from the window, illuminating the mother’s face and highlighting the textures of her clothing and the wooden walls.
Beyond the literal depiction of maternal care, the painting conveys a sense of profound connection between generations and an implicit commentary on the burdens and dignity of peasant life. The starkness of the surroundings and the womans somber expression suggest a context of hardship or struggle, while the act of breastfeeding itself represents nourishment, protection, and continuity. The landscape visible through the window offers a glimpse of hope and possibility beyond the confines of the immediate domestic space, yet it remains distant and somewhat idealized. Overall, the work evokes themes of motherhood, resilience, and the enduring spirit of rural communities facing adversity.