#15144 Pavel Filonov (1883-1941)

The composition presents a densely populated pastoral scene, rendered in a style characterized by simplified forms and a muted color palette dominated by earthy greens, browns, and reds. Here we see a group of animals – goats, cows, chickens, and geese – intermingled with human figures within what appears to be an overgrown orchard or garden setting.
A woman stands centrally, her posture suggesting a mixture of weariness and resignation. She is draped in a red shawl and wears a simple blue garment, her gaze directed downwards, avoiding direct engagement with the viewer. To her right, a young boy sits on the ground, seemingly occupied with an object held in his hands – possibly a piece of wood or fruit. The arrangement of figures suggests a familial connection, though their interaction is not overtly expressed.
The animals are depicted with a degree of stylization; their forms are blocky and somewhat abstracted, contributing to the overall sense of folk art simplicity. They appear almost monumental in scale relative to the human figures, hinting at a potential commentary on the relationship between humanity and nature or perhaps an allegorical representation of rural life’s burdens.
The background is obscured by dense foliage and hints of architectural elements – a building with what appears to be a tiled roof peeks out from behind the trees. The abundance of fruit hanging from the branches suggests prosperity, yet the overall mood conveyed is one of quiet melancholy rather than joyous celebration.
Subtly embedded within this scene are indications of hardship or decline. The overgrown nature of the garden implies neglect, and the woman’s downcast expression reinforces a sense of underlying sadness. Its possible that the painting explores themes of rural poverty, the cyclical nature of agricultural labor, or the quiet dignity found in enduring difficult circumstances. The deliberate flattening of perspective and the limited color range contribute to an atmosphere of introspection and understated emotional depth.