Big Marani in the forest 

"Big Marani in the Forest" was painted without a known date by the Georgian artist Niko Pirosmani using oil on oilcloth. Pirosmani, a self-taught artist, often depicted scenes of Georgian life, deeply influenced by his experiences of poverty and marginalization within society. In this painting, the oversized "marani," a traditional wine vessel, dominates the landscape, symbolizing the centrality of wine in Georgian culture and identity. Yet, the presence of the laborers reminds us that the rituals surrounding wine are deeply entwined with labor and social class. The figures here are caught in the golden light of labor. One can almost feel Pirosmani's own relationship to the rhythms of Georgian life in the scene. Ultimately, "Big Marani in the Forest" speaks to the connections between culture, labor, and identity, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay of tradition and lived experience.