Murder of Abel by Cain 1910

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin's "Murder of Abel by Cain" uses simple, almost elemental colors to show us something pretty raw. There is a realness to the way these figures are rendered. They're not idealized, and the painting has a quality almost like a fresco, like it's part of the wall itself. I am drawn to the gesture, the way Cain seems to be almost pulling away from his deed. There's this circle motif above, like an eye, or like the earth, bearing witness. Petrov-Vodkin's paintings often have a symbolic dimension, reflecting his interest in philosophical themes. You see that here in this work, where the biblical scene becomes a meditation on humanity. Like a lot of great art, the painting is more about posing questions than offering answers, and that's what keeps us looking.