Chicken feeding Ivan Kulikov (1875-1941)

The composition presents a domestic scene centered around a woman engaged in the act of scattering feed for chickens. She sits on what appears to be a low stool or bench, her posture suggesting a quiet diligence and perhaps a touch of weariness. The loose brushwork immediately establishes an atmosphere of rural simplicity and immediacy.
Several children are present within the frame. Two stand slightly apart from the central figure – one boy holding a small pail, the other a girl in a vibrant pink dress with a distinctive white bonnet. Their positioning suggests observation rather than active participation; they seem to be absorbing the scene unfolding before them. A third child is partially visible near the right edge of the canvas, adding depth and reinforcing the familial context.
The chickens themselves are rendered with energetic strokes, their forms blending into a flurry of movement as they peck at the scattered grain. A dog, positioned on the left side of the painting, mirrors the children’s posture – attentive and engaged but not directly involved in the feeding process. The animals white fur contrasts sharply with the darker tones of the woman’s clothing and the surrounding environment.
The color palette is dominated by muted earth tones – ochres, browns, and grays – interspersed with touches of blue in the woman’s blouse and pink in the girl’s dress. This limited range contributes to a sense of understated realism and reinforces the paintings focus on everyday life. The light source appears to be diffused, casting soft shadows and creating a gentle overall illumination.
Beyond the literal depiction of feeding chickens, the work seems to explore themes of rural labor, family dynamics, and the cyclical nature of agricultural existence. The woman’s stoic expression and the childrens quiet observation suggest a sense of tradition and continuity – a passing down of responsibilities and values from one generation to the next. There is an underlying feeling of tranquility, despite the implied toil inherent in farm life. The painting evokes a moment suspended in time, capturing a fleeting glimpse into a world defined by simplicity and connection to the land.