Portrait of VI Lenin Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin (1878-1939)

The painting is a formal portrait of Vladimir Lenin, depicted seated at a desk. He is shown from the chest up, with his forearms resting on the desk. Lenin has a bald head, a prominent beard, and is looking directly at the viewer with a serious expression. He is wearing a simple, light-colored shirt with the collar open. His left hand is raised, with fingers lightly touching his chin, a pose suggesting contemplation or deep thought. His right hand holds a pencil, poised over some papers on the desk, implying he is either working or about to work.

The desk is cluttered with various items, including open books, papers, and a stack of more books to the right, some of which have colorful spines. To the left of Lenin, there is an open book with Cyrillic text, the title visible as Пушкина (Pushkina), referencing the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. Behind Lenin, on the wall, is a map, possibly of Russia or the Soviet Union, and a bookshelf can be seen on the far right. The lighting is somewhat dramatic, with strong shadows, particularly a large circular shadow on the left wall, which adds a sense of depth and gravity. The overall impression is one of an intellectual leader engaged in work and immersed in thought.

The subtexts of the painting are rich with symbolism associated with Lenin and the era:

• Intellectualism and Leadership: The books, papers, map, and the act of holding a pencil all point to Lenin as a man of intellect, strategy, and action. The pose of contemplation combined with the ready pencil suggests a leader who is both a deep thinker and an active participant in shaping events.
• Authority and Seriousness: Lenins direct gaze and serious expression convey authority and the gravity of his role. He is not presented as a figure of levity but as the serious leader of a revolutionary movement.
• Connection to Russian Culture: The prominent display of Pushkins work, Пушкина, is a significant cultural reference. It could be interpreted as an attempt to associate Lenin and the revolution with the legacy of Russian culture and genius, thereby legitimizing the new political order. It might also suggest that Lenin, despite his revolutionary ideology, was also a product of, and perhaps a patron of, Russian intellectual heritage.
• The Revolutionarys Work: The cluttered desk signifies the constant work and dedication required by the revolutionary cause. The map suggests the vastness and complexity of the territories and political challenges Lenin was dealing with.
• Symbolism of the Shadow: The strong, abstract shadow on the wall could be interpreted in various ways, perhaps representing the looming presence of ideology, the weight of history, or the unseen forces shaping Lenins decisions and the revolutions trajectory.
• Propaganda and Iconography: As a portrait of a key historical figure, this painting likely served a propaganda purpose, aiming to create a specific image of Lenin for the public – a dedicated, thoughtful, and authoritative leader. The style of portraiture, while realistic, also elevates Lenin to an iconic status.