Landscape 

Sattar Bahlulzade created this landscape painting, measuring 43 by 52 centimeters, at an unknown date. Bahlulzade, born in Azerbaijan in 1909, lived through a period of intense political and social change under Soviet rule. In this landscape, we see a move away from traditional socialist realism, the officially approved style in the Soviet Union. Instead, Bahlulzade employs an expressionistic style, using bold colors and energetic brushstrokes to capture the essence of the Azerbaijani landscape. The dominant blues and reds create a sense of tension and drama, hinting at the emotional undercurrents of living in a society undergoing rapid transformation. Bahlulzade once said, "Nature is my soul." This quote encapsulates his deep connection to the land, a connection that provided solace and inspiration during a time of political repression. "Landscape" becomes a personal and political statement, reflecting both the beauty of Azerbaijan and the artist's inner world. It invites us to contemplate the power of art as a form of resistance.