borisov-musatov the reservoir 1902 Viktor Borisov-Musatov (1870-1905)
Viktor Borisov-Musatov – borisov-musatov the reservoir 1902
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Painter: Viktor Borisov-Musatov
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The painting The Waterhole was painted by Victor Borisov-Musatov in 1902-1903. The author began the painting in the park of the estate of Princess Prozorova-Golitsina in the Zubrilovka estate. Borisov-Musatov portrayed his sister and Elena Vladimirovna Aleksandrova. The picture was painted shortly after Elena agreed to become the artist’s bride. In the picture, all the details demonstrate the femininity glorified by its author. Many viewers, especially those who saw the picture in the original, it seemed not quite real, they saw in it something fairy-tale and detached from time.
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Description of Victor Borisov Musatov’s painting "Water body"
The painting The Waterhole was painted by Victor Borisov-Musatov in 1902-1903.
The author began the painting in the park of the estate of Princess Prozorova-Golitsina in the Zubrilovka estate. Borisov-Musatov portrayed his sister and Elena Vladimirovna Aleksandrova. The picture was painted shortly after Elena agreed to become the artist’s bride. In the picture, all the details demonstrate the femininity glorified by its author.
Many viewers, especially those who saw the picture in the original, it seemed not quite real, they saw in it something fairy-tale and detached from time. Apparently, although the painting was painted entirely from life, this particular atmosphere can be explained by the spiritual state of the artist at the time of his work. The image conveys his vision of the world: poetic and sublime.
The composition lacks the horizon line which allows merging the foreground and the background as much as possible. The figures in the painting complement each other: the body of water beyond the canvas has an oval shape, as does the neatly arranged skirt of one of the heroines. In contrast to everything around, calm and refined, it is all in sinuous folds, which add dynamics to the picture, as, for example, a small ripple makes the quiet seascape livelier. In general, the absence of the natural landscape as such is compensated for by trees, small bushes and greenish grass reflected in the water surface.
The heroines are next to the pond, in the foreground of the painting. And despite the fact that the pond is depicted very close, it may seem like a serene sky, which literally hangs over the young ladies. And then it is a completely different landscape, in which the ladies stand on a small hill, behind which could be anything. But more likely a forest, with some of its trees pointing up into the very sky. Thus, the symbolist artist was able to create a landscape that appears in completely different versions, depending on the imagination of the viewer.
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The standing woman’s attire consists of a light-colored dress, and her hair is styled in an elaborate updo with reddish highlights. Her gaze is directed toward the kneeling figure, but theres a certain detachment evident in her expression – a sense of contemplation rather than immediate engagement. The kneeling woman wears a darker blue dress with intricate detailing around the collar and sleeves. She leans forward, her hand outstretched, conveying a feeling of longing or perhaps supplication.
The color palette is muted, dominated by greens, blues, and soft whites. This contributes to an atmosphere of melancholy and introspection. The reflections in the water are rendered with loose brushstrokes, blurring the distinction between reality and illusion. They create a sense of depth while simultaneously adding to the dreamlike quality of the scene.
The archway itself acts as a framing device, drawing attention to the figures within. Its dark silhouette contrasts sharply with the lighter tones of the background, further emphasizing their isolation. The surrounding foliage is rendered in broad strokes, suggesting a lush but somewhat overgrown environment.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of connection and distance, desire and rejection. The kneeling figure’s gesture implies an attempt at reconciliation or perhaps a plea for understanding. However, the standing womans posture and expression suggest a reluctance to fully reciprocate. This creates a palpable tension between the two figures, leaving the viewer to ponder the nature of their relationship and the reasons behind this emotional impasse. There is a sense of fragility and vulnerability present in both women, hinting at underlying anxieties or unspoken burdens. The setting – a secluded, somewhat overgrown garden – reinforces the feeling of privacy and introspection.