Apples 1917

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin made this still life of apples, sized 41 by 58 cm, using oil on canvas. The image is simple, but striking, and may be read in relation to Russia's cultural shift during the early 20th century. Petrov-Vodkin painted at a time when Russian art was searching for a new visual language. It’s worth remembering that the Russian avant-garde, with movements like Constructivism and Suprematism, were actively questioning traditional art forms. Religious icons and folk art were important sources for artists seeking a distinctly Russian identity. The choice of such an ordinary subject is interesting. The apples, set against a vivid red background, seem to be elevated beyond mere fruit. Are they symbols of abundance, health, or perhaps a more subtle commentary on the changing social landscape? As historians, we can delve into the artist's writings and the critical reception of his work to better understand such social contexts. The meaning of art always depends on the cultural and institutional setting in which it was made.