Still Life. Peonies in a basket. 1935

Pyotr Konchalovsky's "Still Life. Peonies in a basket." is a vibrant oil painting, notable for its dynamic composition and rich texture. At first glance, the eye is immediately drawn to the profusion of flowers, rendered in thick, almost sculptural brushstrokes. The basket of peonies dominates the central space, its form loosely defined, suggesting a sense of organic abundance. Konchalovsky uses color to create both harmony and contrast, positioning deep reds and soft pinks against muted greens. This juxtaposition destabilizes traditional still life conventions by injecting a vitality that transcends mere representation. The rough application of paint enhances the materiality of the artwork, emphasizing its constructed nature, in a visual language that reflects a broader interest in the autonomy of artistic expression. The painting’s formal qualities, from its textured surface to its energetic composition, invite us to consider how Konchalovsky engaged with and expanded the genre of still life. Ultimately, this is not just a depiction of flowers but an exploration of color, form, and the act of painting itself.