churches, new jerusalem 1917 Aristarkh Lentulov (1882-1943)

The composition presents a cluster of structures, seemingly religious in nature, dominating the visual field. These buildings are rendered not with representational accuracy but through fractured planes and geometric forms, suggesting a deliberate dismantling of traditional perspective and spatial coherence. The artist employed a palette dominated by blues, whites, yellows, and greens, punctuated by accents of red and purple. This color scheme contributes to an overall sense of vibrancy and spiritual elevation.
The structures themselves are characterized by their layered arrangement; they appear to rise from the foreground, overlapping and interweaving in a complex network. Domes and spires punctuate the skyline, drawing the eye upward while simultaneously creating a sense of visual density. The buildings’ surfaces are not smooth but rather composed of distinct blocks of color, applied with visible brushstrokes that emphasize their constructed nature.
Below this architectural assemblage, a dense grouping of dark green and brown forms suggests foliage or perhaps stylized trees, acting as a grounding element to the ethereal quality of the structures above. These lower elements possess an angularity mirroring that of the buildings, reinforcing the overall sense of fragmentation and abstraction.
The painting’s subtexts likely revolve around themes of faith, spirituality, and the potential for transcendence. The deconstruction of form might symbolize a questioning or reinterpretation of established religious dogma. The vibrant color palette could represent divine light or spiritual energy. The layering of structures suggests a complex interplay between earthly and heavenly realms. It is possible that the work explores the concept of a utopian vision – a “New Jerusalem” – where traditional forms are reimagined and transformed into something new, albeit fragmented and challenging to grasp. The overall effect is one of dynamic tension between order and chaos, solidity and ephemerality, suggesting a profound spiritual quest or yearning.