The Reaper, study for the decoration of the Ruzheinaya (Rifle) Square in Petrograd 1918

Curator: This watercolour study, rendered with colored pencil, is called "The Reaper, study for the decoration of the Ruzheinaya (Rifle) Square in Petrograd." It was created by Boris Kustodiev in 1918, and it’s currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. Editor: My initial impression is that it radiates a sort of dreamlike warmth. The woman is surrounded by bounty, and the soft colors lend an almost nostalgic feel, even if the lines themselves are somewhat roughly sketched. Curator: Kustodiev, though struggling with illness, was deeply involved in post-revolutionary celebrations and propaganda efforts. The Ruzheinaya Square decoration project was part of this wave of monumental propaganda, which aimed to quickly fill public spaces with ideologically resonant art. Editor: Absolutely, the symbolism is compelling. The central female figure is actively reaping grain; this embodies the fertility of the land, obviously, but it also speaks to socialist ideals about agriculture and production. Her gentle expression contrasts sharply with the reality of the Russian Civil War at the time, making the sickle read as life-affirming instead of ominous. Curator: Right, the visual language speaks of hope. And notice the application of Russian Avant-Garde techniques even within such an overtly representational image; the bold outlines and almost poster-like clarity of the composition. He's walking a fine line here. Editor: I love how traditional and modern symbols combine here. A humble rural subject within a halo shape instantly elevates the work to the spiritual domain, connecting it to earlier iconic depictions, all the while celebrating labor. Also, there is so much red sprinkled throughout the composition--are those cherries, red textiles--it evokes the energy of the new political moment without being overt propaganda. Curator: A deft touch, considering the revolutionary pressures. The image successfully fuses folklore and modernity. A true balancing act considering he painted this at a very specific, complicated time in Russian history. Editor: A balancing act indeed, and a very moving and successful union of folk and avant-garde symbology. It leaves you considering the artist’s intent to capture and idealize Russia, even when its future was completely uncertain.