Cassis 1913

Pyotr Konchalovsky’s oil on canvas painting captures the scenic beauty of Cassis, a village in southern France. Konchalovsky, who spent time in France during his formative years, brings a Russian sensibility to this Mediterranean landscape. Painted with bold strokes and vibrant colors, the scene is both familiar and foreign. The intense blues of the sea, the sun-baked earth, and the lush greens of the vegetation create a rich tapestry of color that celebrates the area's natural beauty. However, the flattening of perspective flattens the image. This technique, combined with the simplification of form, reflects Konchalovsky’s engagement with the avant-garde movements. In the early 20th century, travel to places like Cassis was often associated with privilege and leisure. Konchalovsky captures a place of respite, offering an intimate look at a world that was both accessible and out of reach, reflecting on the complex interplay between identity, place, and representation.