Set Design prologue to the staging of Satan's Diary (by L. Andreev) 1922

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin made this stage set design for the prologue to the staging of Satan's Diary using pencil and watercolor. It presents a fascinating use of humble materials to create a grand effect. Look closely, and you'll notice the geometry of the mountain range. It has been built up through countless strokes of colored pencil. Each mark contributes to the overall texture, a testament to the time and labor invested in its creation. The artist’s hand is evident throughout, adding a layer of intimacy to the otherwise monumental scene. The application of watercolor washes over the pencil adds depth, enriching the color palette. While the techniques are traditional, the overall aesthetic breaks from convention. Petrov-Vodkin was deeply engaged with the avant-garde, and was interested in the expressive potential of color and form. The material qualities of pencil and watercolor, typically associated with preparatory sketches or studies, serve as the final aesthetic statement. It challenges our assumptions about what constitutes a finished work, and encourages us to appreciate the beauty inherent in the making process itself.