Marusia 

David Burliuk, a key figure in the Russian avant-garde, painted "Marusia" using oil on canvas. Burliuk, deeply influenced by his Ukrainian Cossack heritage, often blended his art with his sense of cultural identity. Marusia, the sitter, is shown with a gaze directed off to the side, inviting us to ponder her thoughts and inner life. Consider the historical context: as a male artist, Burliuk occupied a position of relative power, yet this portrait deviates from traditional, often objectified, depictions of women. Instead, it offers a glimpse into Marusia's subjectivity. The brushstrokes and color palette evoke a sense of intimacy, suggesting a close relationship between the artist and his subject. Burliuk’s work often challenged societal norms, and in "Marusia," there’s an emotional depth that speaks to the complexities of human connection. It leaves us to consider the untold stories and experiences of the woman immortalized on canvas.