art 576 Russian Painting - from The Tretyakov Gallery
Russian Painting - from The Tretyakov Gallery – art 576
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From the very first works of Nikolai Krymov it was already evident that this urban dweller, in a special way is able to present the true beauty of not only modern houses, but also a high level of skill in transferring to the canvas and rustic motifs. A striking kind of the latter, it is also worth noting the work, entitled "At the mill." At first glance it might seem that the picture is "raw" and the work itself is unfinished, but the longer and more closely you peer into it, the whole canvas as if it comes to life and seems not just a work that is executed in paint, but an exact copy of a dream fragment or some kind of effect of a moving picture. The realism conveyed in the picture is striking, it seems how many shades of green there are in nature, even little, compared to the amount that can be observed in this work of the master.
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Description of Nikolai Krymov’s painting At the Mill
From the very first works of Nikolai Krymov it was already evident that this urban dweller, in a special way is able to present the true beauty of not only modern houses, but also a high level of skill in transferring to the canvas and rustic motifs.
A striking kind of the latter, it is also worth noting the work, entitled "At the mill." At first glance it might seem that the picture is "raw" and the work itself is unfinished, but the longer and more closely you peer into it, the whole canvas as if it comes to life and seems not just a work that is executed in paint, but an exact copy of a dream fragment or some kind of effect of a moving picture.
The realism conveyed in the picture is striking, it seems how many shades of green there are in nature, even little, compared to the amount that can be observed in this work of the master. Thanks to such combinations of green colors and technically correct transitions, it seems as if every single leaf on the tree is moving with the slightest whiff of wind.
The reflection of the trees in the river running by is surprisingly mirrored and authentic. From the title it becomes clear that this picture was painted just at the bottom of the mill, where the river flows down. On the right bank you can see a man who is hunched over, sitting on a log. He is not the main character in this picture, but he makes the picture seem less lonely.
It is impossible to make out from the character the purpose for which he is sitting there and his moods, we can only assume that it is a man from the mill, coming down to have a little rest. The painting is done in warm colors, despite the cold colors of the river and sky. Also on the right bank you can see small houses with chimneys and fences, they stand modestly and as if enveloped by the dense foliage of trees.
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Two substantial trees frame the central grouping of structures, their dense canopies reaching towards a sky filled with billowing clouds. These trees act as visual anchors, directing the viewers gaze toward the buildings while simultaneously creating a sense of enclosure and seclusion. The foliage is rendered in varying shades of green, suggesting depth and volume within the wooded area.
The architecture itself appears modest; a low-slung roofline suggests functionality rather than grandeur. The color palette for these structures leans towards earthy tones – browns, grays, and muted reds – which harmonize with the overall natural setting. A sense of quietude pervades the scene; there are no visible figures or signs of human activity beyond the presence of the buildings themselves.
The light source appears to be diffused, casting soft shadows and contributing to the painting’s tranquil mood. The artists choice to depict a seemingly ordinary rural vista suggests an interest in capturing the essence of everyday life and the beauty found within simple landscapes. There is a deliberate avoidance of sharp detail, which encourages contemplation rather than immediate recognition.
Subtly, the work evokes themes of pastoralism and perhaps even a yearning for escape from urban environments. The secluded nature of the buildings and the encompassing greenery imply a retreat into solitude and harmony with nature. It’s possible to interpret this as an exploration of human connection to the land and the enduring appeal of rural existence.