Nasturtiums 1888

Konstantin Korovin made “Nasturtiums” with oil paints, a material capable of capturing fleeting moments with an almost photographic realism. Look closely, and you'll see how Korovin builds up a mosaic of brushstrokes to depict the scene. The thick impasto layers, particularly in the flowers and foliage, not only convey texture but also evoke the physicality of the garden. The brushstrokes are very visible: their free, expressive handling suggests that the artist worked quickly, likely en plein air, or outdoors, to directly capture the light and atmosphere. This approach was radical for its time, as it broke from the academic tradition of meticulously planned and finished studio paintings. Korovin's choice of subject also speaks to a changing social landscape. Here, we see a relaxed, intimate domestic scene, a far cry from the grand historical or mythological subjects favored by the art establishment. The casual elegance of the figures, combined with the abundance of flowers, suggests a leisured lifestyle made possible by the rise of industry and commerce. This is painting as an experience, as something observed – a moment in time. The emphasis on material and process allows us to interpret the work as an expression of its own making.