Mother Russia 

Filipp Malyavin made this painting, Mother Russia, using oil on canvas. The swirling brushstrokes imbue the figure with dynamism. The textures and colors are earthy, dominated by red hues. We can see the texture of the paint itself: Malyavin applied it wet-on-wet, using loose brushwork and a palette knife to achieve bold impasto effects. The dress is rendered as a mosaic of vibrant red tones, while the shawl has darker patterns, conveying depth. The figure's face is soft, with gentle gradients created by blending the oil paints. This would have been created in a studio setting. Malyavin was interested in the realities of rural Russian life, and often depicted peasant women in his paintings. The painting process, while not directly linked to traditional craft, shows an appreciation for the hand and a lack of mechanization, contrasting with the labor of factory workers. This painting invites us to consider the role of materials, making, and social context in understanding art.