Mistress of the House 1896

Konstantin Alexeevich Korovin captured this image of the Mistress of the House with oil. Notice the candle she holds, a beacon in the dim surroundings. Light, a symbol of knowledge and hope, has been depicted since antiquity. In ancient Greece, the torch represented enlightenment and the pursuit of truth. This symbolism transcends time and geographical boundaries. Recall Caravaggio's dramatic use of light to illuminate the psychological states of his figures. Similarly, here, the candle not only casts light but also imbues the woman with an aura of domestic power and warmth. It’s a primal image, resonating with our collective memory of hearth and home. This enduring symbol connects us to our ancestors, evoking feelings of comfort, safety, and belonging that persist in our subconscious. The candle’s flickering flame reminds us of the cyclical nature of life, forever burning and being replaced in an eternal dance.