My daughter Iya (Iya with melon) (1923) Nikolay Feshin (1881-1955)

Here we observe a domestic scene rendered in a style characterized by loose brushwork and a luminous palette. A young girl occupies the foreground, seated and absorbed in handling a melon. Her gaze is directed downwards, suggesting introspection or perhaps focused attention on her activity. The light catches her face, highlighting delicate features and creating a sense of quiet contemplation. She wears a simple white dress, its folds rendered with textured strokes that contribute to the overall impression of immediacy.
To the right of the girl, a still life arrangement provides visual counterpoint. A collection of fruits – melons, peaches or apricots, plums – are clustered together, their surfaces reflecting light in varied tones. The abundance of fruit hints at prosperity and nourishment. Behind this grouping, a vase filled with flowers adds another layer of vibrancy to the composition. The blooms are painted with energetic brushstrokes, introducing a dynamic element that contrasts with the girl’s stillness.
The background is deliberately ambiguous, composed of loosely applied strokes in warm hues – ochre, brown, and touches of red – that evoke an interior space without defining it precisely. This lack of specificity directs attention towards the central figures and objects. The light source appears to originate from the left, casting soft shadows that enhance the three-dimensionality of the forms.
The painting conveys a sense of intimacy and familial warmth. The girl’s posture and expression suggest vulnerability and innocence, while the abundance of fruit and flowers symbolize prosperity and beauty. There is an underlying feeling of nostalgia or remembrance – a captured moment of childhood simplicity and domestic harmony. The artists technique emphasizes sensory experience – the feel of the melon in the child’s hands, the warmth of the light, the richness of color – creating a deeply personal and evocative image.