Glass and lemon. 1922 Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin (1878-1939)

Here we observe a still life composition featuring a glass and a lemon arranged on what appears to be a draped surface. The color palette is dominated by cool tones – various shades of blue and grey – which imbue the scene with a subdued, almost melancholic atmosphere. The lemon stands out as the sole source of warmth, its vibrant yellow contrasting sharply against the surrounding coolness.
The glass itself is rendered with careful attention to transparency; light passes through it, creating subtle reflections that suggest depth and volume. Its stem curves gracefully, drawing the eye upward. The draped fabric beneath the objects contributes a sense of texture and complexity, its folds and creases meticulously depicted using short, broken brushstrokes. These marks create an impression of movement and add visual interest to the background.
The arrangement feels deliberate, yet not rigidly formal. The lemon is positioned slightly off-center, creating a dynamic asymmetry that prevents the composition from feeling static. Shadows are present but softened, contributing to the overall sense of quietude.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of fragility and transience. The glass, representing clarity and perhaps refinement, sits alongside the lemon – a symbol often associated with bitterness or a sharp awakening. This juxtaposition might suggest an underlying tension between beauty and discomfort, or a commentary on the fleeting nature of pleasure. The muted color scheme reinforces this sense of introspection, inviting contemplation rather than exuberant celebration. The artist’s choice to depict commonplace objects in such a considered manner elevates them beyond their everyday significance, prompting viewers to consider their inherent qualities and symbolic potential.