#43783 Boris Kustodiev (1878-1927)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a vibrant interplay of organic forms and intense color. A large lobster dominates the foreground, positioned on a shallow blue-glazed dish that reflects light in subtle highlights. Its crimson hue is echoed by several deep red roses arranged in a dark vase to the left. Two apples, rendered in muted tones of green and pink, sit near the base of the arrangement, grounding the scene with their more subdued presence. To the right of the lobster, a plump fowl – likely a duck or goose – is depicted, its feathers painted with energetic brushstrokes that convey texture and volume.
The artist’s use of color is striking; the reds are particularly assertive, creating a sense of drama and visual weight. The limited palette, primarily consisting of red, green, blue, and touches of yellow, contributes to a unified aesthetic. Light appears to emanate from an unseen source, illuminating the objects and casting shadows that define their shapes.
Beyond the purely descriptive elements, the painting suggests several layers of meaning. The juxtaposition of the lobster – a creature associated with luxury and decadence – with the fowl – a common food source – introduces a subtle tension between abundance and sustenance. The roses, symbols of beauty and fleeting existence, add an element of melancholy to the scene. The overall arrangement evokes themes of mortality, consumption, and the transient nature of earthly pleasures.
The brushwork is loose and expressive, indicative of a focus on capturing the essence of the objects rather than meticulous realism. This approach lends the painting a sense of immediacy and vitality, inviting viewers to engage with the subject matter on an emotional level. The composition feels deliberately staged, suggesting a constructed reality designed to provoke contemplation about human desires and their consequences.