Roofs. Winter 1876

Arkhyp Kuindzhi created this painting, "Roofs. Winter," using oil paint on canvas, a traditional medium for fine art. Look closely, and you will see that the thick application of paint isn't just descriptive; it’s expressive. The impasto strokes capture the weight and texture of snow blanketing the rooftops. The subdued palette, almost monochromatic, adds to the sense of cold and stillness. Kuindzhi's brushstrokes are visible, and there is an honesty to the surface, as he does not attempt to hide the labor involved in its making. The high vantage point hints at the artist's own living conditions, perhaps looking out from his studio window. It's a scene of urban life, seen from a particular perspective, that gives us a glimpse into the artist’s world. Considering the materials and the way the painting was made brings us closer to understanding its significance, and challenges the idea that fine art is somehow separate from the everyday realities of life and labor.