Still Life. A candle and a decanter. 1918 Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin (1878-1939)

The composition presents a still life arranged on a dark, highly reflective surface. A partially visible figure occupies the left side of the canvas, their head bowed and gaze directed downwards, creating a sense of introspection or melancholy. The individuals hair is cropped short, and their attire appears simple, suggesting a restrained lifestyle.
Dominating the central space are several objects: a tall decanter, a burning candle secured in a candlestick, and two apples – one green, one red. The decanter’s form is elongated and distorted, its transparency rendered through subtle shifts in color that suggest the presence of liquid within. Light plays significantly on the glass, creating highlights and shadows that emphasize its volume and reflective qualities. The candle flame provides a primary source of illumination, casting warm light upon the surrounding objects and contributing to an atmosphere of quiet contemplation.
The apples are positioned near the front plane, their forms simplified and rendered with broad brushstrokes. Their placement suggests both abundance and potential decay, hinting at themes of transience and the passage of time. The dark table surface acts as a unifying element, reflecting the light and colors of the objects above, further flattening the pictorial space.
The background is indistinct, composed of muted tones that recede into shadow. A vertical shape on the right side might be interpreted as a curtain or architectural feature, but its ambiguity contributes to the overall sense of enclosure and isolation. The color palette is restrained – primarily browns, greens, yellows, and reds – which reinforces the somber mood.
Subtly, the arrangement evokes themes of solitude, reflection, and the fragility of existence. The candle’s flame symbolizes both life and mortality, while the fruit represents temptation or loss. The bowed figures posture suggests a state of mourning or quiet despair. The painting does not offer an explicit narrative but rather invites viewers to contemplate these underlying emotional currents through its carefully orchestrated arrangement of objects and subdued color scheme.