Geese 

Mikhail Larionov captured these Geese with oil on canvas, although the exact date remains unspecified. The geese, rendered with bold outlines and dynamic brushstrokes, are not mere fowl; they are symbols deeply entrenched in the collective human psyche. Across cultures, geese have been revered. In ancient Egypt, the goose was associated with Amun, the god of creation, embodying fertility and vigilance. This echoes in folklore where geese often symbolize watchfulness and protection. Note how Larionov's geese are alert, their necks arched. This posture is not just anatomical, it's an echo of that ancient symbolism. Consider too, the "Flight into Egypt," where Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus sought refuge. Geese, heralds of divine protection, could well have been imagined accompanying them, guiding them towards sanctuary. Larionov's bold red outlines, almost violent, hint at an underlying tension, a subconscious recognition of vulnerability. The image resonates with the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to resurface, evolve, and acquire new significance across different times.