Cell 

Efim Volkov's "Cell," likely painted in the late 19th century, invites us to consider the intersection of landscape, faith, and the painterly process. The scene is rendered in oil on canvas, a traditional fine art medium, yet the subject matter, a simple wooden chapel or "cell," speaks to a more vernacular building tradition. Notice how Volkov's brushstrokes emphasize the materiality of the wood. The textures and tones mimic the weathered surfaces and hand-hewn construction of this rustic oratory. This is no grand cathedral, but a humble space for contemplation. The artist has carefully observed the way light plays across the wood grain, evoking a tangible sense of place. Volkov engages with the artistic traditions of landscape painting, whilst reminding us of the cultural significance of craft and devotion found in rural settings. By uniting his craft, his subject and its environment, Volkov emphasizes the importance of materiality, the labor required to create a space like this, and its embedded meaning, encouraging us to challenge rigid distinctions between art and craft.