#43774 Boris Kustodiev (1878-1927)

Description of Boris Kustodiev’s painting "Easter Rite" (1916)

Kustodiev, who was able to combine classical traditions with the national ideal of folk art in his work, did not refuse innovations created by modernism and impressionism either. The canvas is filled with bright contrasts of light and refinement of decorative stylization of external form. The artist seems to express his admiration for the vanishing fair and merchant culture of the people. The theme of folk festivals is reflected in many works of the author.

The painting depicts the folk-church tradition of kissing during the greeting of the feast of Easter. The action of the scene takes place in a merchant’s house. A young girl is kissing a man who is old enough to be her father. He takes pleasure in this: the look on his face is heartwarming. The audience can’t see her face, but they can see her embarrassment, which the artist underlines with pinkish skin.

Details that the painter has a special attitude towards are painted thoroughly. The merchant is dressed in a long black caftan and wears shiny and polished boots. His hair with a straight parting and his beard also testify to his social status. The girl is dressed for the occasion in a sumptuous red silk dress trimmed with black lace, which has a white lace collar. Accurately arranged in a hairstyle blond hair on her head is covered by a coquettish hat. Complementing the outfit of a young lady thrown over her shoulders painted bright shawl with fringes in pink and greenish-yellow tones.

The man has already prepared a gift for Easter - a dyed egg, which he holds in his hand. The table is laid out in a festive way: on it there are all the traditional Easter dishes. Two kulich, decorated with flowers, and the consecrated custom of Easter curds. Nearby is a large dish with a whole heap of painted eggs in different colors. A roast pig and a waa with black caviar speak of prosperity in the house. Next to the wall with the patterned blue wallpaper and the painting hanging above, a whole battery of homemade liquors is lined up on the table. All the objects are painted with naturalistic precision.

The picture of the monumental festive folk ritual combines lubonic traditions with the highest museum classics. The viewer is captivated by the provincial atmosphere of folk rites and rituals.