#15093 Pavel Filonov (1883-1941)

The composition presents a tableau of figures arranged within a stylized landscape dominated by jagged, blue-tinged peaks. A central grouping draws immediate attention: a figure clad in blue and red garments cradles a pale, almost spectral child. This individuals posture suggests both protection and burden. To their right stands a man with dark skin, partially unclothed, holding a spear adorned with what appears to be a decorative element at its tip. His gaze is directed outward, conveying an air of vigilance or perhaps apprehension.
On the left side of the scene, a skeletal figure in red attire leans against a light-colored animal – likely a goat – its presence adding a layer of unsettling symbolism. The skeletal figure’s face is obscured by shadow, contributing to its enigmatic nature. Above this central group, on what seems to be an elevated plane, are two additional figures – one appears to be a child and the other a bear.
The color palette is striking, employing bold contrasts between the blue of the sky and mountains, the red of the garments, and the pale tones of the child’s skin. The artists use of flattened perspective and simplified forms creates a dreamlike or allegorical quality. There is an intentional lack of naturalism in the rendering of the figures; their proportions are somewhat exaggerated, and details are minimized.
Subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of mortality, protection, and perhaps cultural encounter. The presence of the skeletal figure clearly alludes to death and decay, while the man with the spear might represent a guardian or protector against unseen threats. The child held by the blue-clad figure could symbolize innocence or vulnerability, requiring safeguarding. The inclusion of figures representing different ethnicities – the pale child, the dark-skinned man – hints at complex relationships between cultures, potentially exploring themes of responsibility and stewardship. The bear and child above suggest a connection to nature and perhaps a sense of hope or renewal amidst the darker elements present in the scene. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of unease and ambiguity, inviting contemplation on profound human experiences.