Venice 1919

Konstantin Gorbatov painted this view of Venice, capturing its timeless beauty, sometime before his death in 1945. Gorbatov was deeply rooted in the Russian artistic tradition, yet his life was upended by the turmoil of the early 20th century. In this painting, we're not just seeing a city, we're invited to consider the city’s inhabitants. The women at the market and a mother with her child give us a glimpse into their daily lives, shaped by their gender and class. They are framed within the classical architectural and the serene waterways of Venice. Gorbatov developed alternative narratives to those favored by the Soviet government. Perhaps "Venice" is more than just a landscape; it reflects a longing for an ideal society. It invites us to reflect on our own sense of belonging, and the places that hold a special significance in our memories.