Still life (1934-1955) 5 Nikolay Feshin (1881-1955)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a cluster of daisies in a blue glass vase. The flowers dominate the visual field, their bright white petals contrasting sharply with the darker background and surrounding objects. A profusion of red fruit – likely apples or plums – spills from a low, reflective dish positioned at the base of the scene. To the left, a partially obscured object, possibly drapery or another vessel, is rendered in muted tones, contributing to the overall sense of depth.
The artist’s application of paint is characterized by visible brushstrokes and an impasto technique, particularly evident in the rendering of the flowers and fruit. This textural quality lends a tactile immediacy to the scene, suggesting a direct engagement with the subject matter. The light source appears to originate from the upper left, casting highlights on the petals and creating reflections on the polished surfaces of the dish and vase.
The color palette is restrained but rich, relying heavily on blues, reds, greens, and yellows. The dark background serves to isolate the objects in the foreground, intensifying their colors and forms. This creates a sense of intimacy and focus, drawing the viewer’s attention to the details of the arrangement.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of everyday objects, the painting evokes a feeling of quiet contemplation. The abundance of fruit might symbolize prosperity or fertility, while the daisies could represent innocence or simplicity. The reflective surfaces introduce an element of ambiguity; they distort and refract light, suggesting that appearances are not always what they seem. Theres a subtle melancholy present in the muted tones and the slightly disheveled arrangement, hinting at the transient nature of beauty and abundance. The overall effect is one of understated elegance and a poignant awareness of time’s passage.