Lady with Gentleman 2006

Zoe Lerman created this oil painting titled "Lady with Gentleman" in 2006. The work, from Russia, seems to be inspired by social realism, portraying the interaction between a lady and a gentleman. The bright red and black colours add drama, creating an atmosphere that begs the question: What is the nature of their encounter? Looking at the visual language, we might see a comment on social hierarchies, and on gender relations as they were negotiated in early 21st century Russia. To understand the painting better, it's helpful to look at how social and political changes in Russia shaped artists like Lerman. Considering Russia's historical emphasis on the values of family, duty, and social order, does the artwork reinforce or question these values? By delving into historical resources, we can learn how these ideas influenced art, and how art, in turn, reflected these values to society.