#22877 Boris Kustodiev (1878-1927)
Boris Kustodiev – #22877
Edit attribution
Download full size: 522×714 px (0,0 Mb)
Painter: Boris Kustodiev
Album navigation:
Boris Kustodiev’s paintings shine with increasing life-affirming force in his later work. The riot of saturated colors, their diversity and the bold play of contrasts is embodied in the 1920 work Merchant’s Woman with a Mirror. During the heyday of art Nouveau in all spheres of art, this new direction and touched the painting. "Merchant’s Woman with a Mirror" is painted just in this style. This affiliation of the painting is recognized in the rich decorative elements depicted, in their ornamentation, in the abundance of so-called carpeted backgrounds. What do we see in the picture? The main character - a young woman from a bygone era, when the merchant class lived in affluence and could bathe in luxury.
ArtClub
Best Contemporary Atists
Description of Boris Kustodiev’s painting "Merchant’s Woman with a Mirror".
Boris Kustodiev’s paintings shine with increasing life-affirming force in his later work. The riot of saturated colors, their diversity and the bold play of contrasts is embodied in the 1920 work Merchant’s Woman with a Mirror.
During the heyday of art Nouveau in all spheres of art, this new direction and touched the painting. "Merchant’s Woman with a Mirror" is painted just in this style. This affiliation of the painting is recognized in the rich decorative elements depicted, in their ornamentation, in the abundance of so-called carpeted backgrounds.
What do we see in the picture? The main character - a young woman from a bygone era, when the merchant class lived in affluence and could bathe in luxury. The maiden in an openwork scarlet dress is trying on a new shawl, while looking in the mirror. The shawl is expensive, silk, embroidered with silvery patterns. The merchant’s face expresses peaceful tranquility, complacency and even a certain haughtiness.
All the everyday life surrounding the heroine tells about the state of the residents of the house. On the table with a purple velvet tablecloth the owner’s jewelry, a casket and a fan are laid out. A large icon gleams with gold in the far corner. On the floor stands a huge green chest, decorated with gold trim. On the shelf is a fresh bouquet of all kinds of flowers. Close to the window are large leaves of exotic plants.
In the ajar door is the figure of an admiring man. He is spellbound and proudly admiring the ornate merchantess. Another human figure is in the shadow of a woman - an inconspicuous maid dutifully going through her mistress’ expensive furs.
Б. M. Kustodiev depicted a genre and nostalgic picture. A yearning for the time of abundance and happy prosperity in everything is expressed in a painting from 1920. Healthy, ruddy merchant woman confidently admiring herself, not yet aware of the impending elimination of the entire estate.
The colorful canvas by the Russian artist is housed in the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.
You cannot comment Why?
The woman’s attire contributes significantly to the overall impression. A richly patterned shawl drapes over her shoulders, its intricate design drawing attention and suggesting wealth or status. Her dress, a vibrant red, contrasts with the darker tones of the shawl and the surrounding environment, further emphasizing her presence.
To the left, a figure sits absorbed in reading, seemingly oblivious to the woman’s activity. This individuals posture is hunched, their face hidden behind a book, creating a sense of detachment and isolation. The placement of this figure suggests a contrast between active engagement with external knowledge and inward contemplation.
In the background, another man stands near an open doorway, his gaze directed towards the woman. His expression is difficult to discern definitively, but there’s a hint of observation or perhaps even melancholy in his demeanor. This figure introduces a sense of voyeurism and raises questions about the dynamics between these individuals within this space.
The interior itself is characterized by opulence. A vibrant blue wall serves as a backdrop, punctuated by decorative elements like a large potted plant and an ornate screen. The presence of flowers in a vase on a table further enhances the atmosphere of luxury. Several small objects – a box with trinkets, ribbons – are scattered around her feet, adding to the sense of domestic comfort and privilege.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of vanity, introspection, and social dynamics. The womans preoccupation with her reflection suggests a concern with appearance and self-image. The inclusion of other figures introduces elements of observation, detachment, and potential emotional distance within this privileged setting. The overall effect is one of quiet drama, hinting at unspoken narratives and the complexities of human relationships.