For Lenin’s Iskra Fedor Reshetnikov (1919-1988)

In this painting, titled For Lenins Iskra, a dramatic scene unfolds within a dimly lit, crowded room. The focal point is a long table around which several men are gathered, with a prominent figure, believed to be Lenin, standing center-left, raising his hand as if in debate or to address the assembly. Around him, a diverse group of individuals, both men and women, are depicted in various states of engagement: some are actively participating with raised hands and animated gestures, others appear to be listening intently, while a few are expressing dissent or concern. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of urgency and passionate discussion.
The subtext of the painting is deeply rooted in the historical context of the Russian revolutionary movement. Iskra (Spark) was the name of a newspaper founded by Vladimir Lenin and other revolutionaries in 1900, which played a crucial role in organizing the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party. The painting likely depicts a clandestine meeting of revolutionary thinkers and activists, possibly involved in the planning or dissemination of Iskra. The intense expressions and dynamic poses suggest a moment of critical decision-making, ideological struggle, or strategic planning for the revolutionary cause. The overall mood conveys the clandestine and often confrontational nature of revolutionary activities under Tsarist rule, highlighting the dedication and fervent commitment of individuals working towards political change.