#15107 Pavel Filonov (1883-1941)

The composition presents a group of figures positioned on what appears to be a vessel, likely a fishing boat, set against a turbulent and indistinct background. The scene is dominated by a sense of unease and disorientation, achieved through the use of distorted perspective and an unsettling color palette.
Here we see three men occupying the central space. Their expressions are somber, bordering on despair; their gazes seem directed inward rather than outward, suggesting introspection or perhaps resignation. The man on the left is distinguished by his elaborate hat and patterned clothing, while the figure in the center wears a dark, heavy garment that obscures much of his face. The individual to the right stands out due to his bright green tunic, which contrasts sharply with the muted tones of the other figures and the surrounding environment. Each holds several fish, though their presence does not evoke abundance or prosperity; instead, they seem like burdens or symbols of a difficult existence.
The vessel itself is rendered in a simplified, almost architectural manner, its lines angular and stark. The dark, swirling background creates an atmosphere of confinement and potential threat. A multitude of fish are depicted below the deck, seemingly suspended in the water, adding to the overall feeling of claustrophobia and instability. Their vibrant orange-red hues provide a jarring contrast with the somber tones above.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of hardship, isolation, and perhaps even existential dread. The figures downcast expressions and the oppressive atmosphere suggest a sense of societal or personal struggle. The fish, traditionally symbols of fertility and sustenance, are here presented as objects of toil rather than sources of comfort. The distorted perspective and unnatural colors contribute to an unsettling mood, hinting at a world where familiar realities have been fractured or lost. It is possible that the work explores themes of labor, poverty, or the psychological toll of difficult circumstances, using symbolic imagery to convey these complex ideas.