At the Tea-Table Konstantin Alekseevich Korovin (1861-1939)

The painting depicts a group of four people gathered around a table on what appears to be a sunny veranda, possibly for a tea gathering. The scene is bathed in warm, golden light filtering through lush greenery in the background.

In the foreground, on the left, a woman with blonde hair tied back with a ribbon is seen in profile, her back to the viewer. She is wearing a light-colored garment and is holding a piece of bread. To her right sits a man in a naval uniform, complete with a white cap, looking towards the center of the table.

The centerpiece of the table is a large, ornate brass samovar, a traditional Russian teapot used for heating water. Beside it are several glasses, a pitcher with a floral design, and other tea-related items. Two women are seated across from the man. One, with dark hair, is focused on her needlework. The other, with her hair elegantly styled up, is looking towards her left, her hand resting near a plate of red berries, likely jam or preserves.

The overall atmosphere is one of leisure and domestic tranquility. The impressionistic brushstrokes and the interplay of light and shadow create a vivid and lively scene.

Subtexts:

• Social Gathering and Ritual: The presence of the samovar and the various tea-related items strongly suggest a traditional tea ceremony. This implies a moment of social interaction, relaxation, and a pause from daily routines.
• Social Hierarchy and Roles: The man in the naval uniform suggests a military presence, potentially indicating his social standing or profession. The focus of the women on domestic activities like needlework or serving tea can reflect traditional gender roles of the era.
• Bourgeois Lifestyle: The ornate samovar, the fine china (suggested by the decorated pitcher), and the relaxed setting on a veranda hint at a comfortable, possibly middle to upper-class lifestyle.
• Harmony and Connection: Despite the individual activities (needlework, eating, serving), the arrangement of the figures around the table suggests a sense of connection and shared experience. The warm lighting and natural setting contribute to a feeling of peace and well-being.
• Leisure and Repose: The scene captures a moment of leisure, a break from work or more demanding activities, allowing for conversation, refreshment, and simple enjoyment of each others company and the pleasant surroundings.