Apples and leaves Ilya Repin (1844-1930)
Ilya Repin – Apples and leaves
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Painter: Ilya Repin
Location: State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg (Государственный Русский Музей).
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When this picture was painted, Ilya Repin was at the height of his creativity, he was creating one masterpiece after another, he had an honorarium, he had a fine family, together with whom he moved to the capital, here he united with the most prominent artists of Russia, who met him and his work quite benignly, he exhibited with a cycle of masterfully painted portraits, sold his works for good money for those times, acquired new friends in Moscow. Of course, all these circumstances could not but affect the mood of the artist, and he created such an unusual work for himself as "Apples and Leaves". Why unusual? Because Ilya Efimovich is a virtuoso of historical and mythological subjects, portraits, psychological and emotional paintings.
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Description of Ilya Repin’s painting "Apples and Leaves".
When this picture was painted, Ilya Repin was at the height of his creativity, he was creating one masterpiece after another, he had an honorarium, he had a fine family, together with whom he moved to the capital, here he united with the most prominent artists of Russia, who met him and his work quite benignly, he exhibited with a cycle of masterfully painted portraits, sold his works for good money for those times, acquired new friends in Moscow.
Of course, all these circumstances could not but affect the mood of the artist, and he created such an unusual work for himself as "Apples and Leaves".
Why unusual? Because Ilya Efimovich is a virtuoso of historical and mythological subjects, portraits, psychological and emotional paintings. Still-life was not peculiar to this artist.
But, as you know, a talented person is talented in everything. And so the image of ordinary apples lying on the drying leaves of various plants, he managed inimitably. Small and large leaves, solid and patterned edges, single, paired and triple, - all made in green, and this is a wonderful background for ripe apples. Generally speaking, with Repin everything is perfect here: the dark background turns into a brownish surface on which both the leaves and the apples shine.
The apples look really alive and one can take them and taste or inhale the fragrance of an apple orchard with pleasure. This freshest aroma can be heard in the harmonious combination of leaves and matte apple tree fruits. The volume, the luster, the shape, the color, the indentations, the spots, all make the apples - as has been said - come alive.
Thus, a seemingly simple uncomplicated still life in the hands of the master acquires brightness and expressiveness, and the picture becomes a real work of art!
COMMENTS: 2 Ответы
Ничего нового не скажу, но может быть кто-то забыл о том, что Илья Ефимович Репин один из Величайших гениев Русской живописи и великий дар Господа Бога для нашей Родины!
Яблоки выглядят естественно, всё говорит о наступлении осени.
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In the foreground, a more subdued array of fallen leaves lies scattered across the surface. Some of these are a dull yellow, indicating they are drying and nearing the end of their natural cycle, while others are still green, mirroring the fresher leaves behind the apples. This contrast between fresh and fallen leaves, ripe and multi-colored apples, creates a dynamic visual narrative.
The background is a deep, dark, almost black void, which serves to dramatically spotlight the elements in the foreground. The lighting appears to emanate from the left, casting subtle shadows and highlighting the roundness and texture of the apples and the veins on the leaves.
The subtext of this painting likely delves into themes of natures cycles, the beauty of abundance, and perhaps a touch of melancholy associated with the passage of time. The juxtaposition of fresh, vibrant produce with decaying leaves can symbolize life and its inevitable end, or the transition from summers bounty to autumns decline. Levitan, known for his landscapes often imbued with a sense of Russian soul and subtle emotion, brings a similar contemplative mood to this still life, inviting the viewer to reflect on the simple yet profound beauty of the natural world and its inherent transience. The detailed rendering of each apple and leaf suggests an appreciation for the quiet, everyday miracles of nature.