A Florence Street in the Rain 1888

Konstantin Alexeevich Korovin created 'A Florence Street in the Rain' using oil paints, likely applied with brushes of varying sizes. The painting's material qualities profoundly influence its appearance. Notice the loose, broken brushstrokes that suggest movement and capture the fleeting effects of light and reflection on the wet street. Korovin's technique, which bears the mark of Impressionism, invites us to consider the social context of his artistic practice. The use of oil paints, a relatively accessible medium by the late 19th century, allowed artists like Korovin to capture everyday scenes and moments in time. The visible brushwork speaks to the artist's labor, each stroke a deliberate act of observation and translation. Yet, the painting also reflects the changing urban landscape of Florence, with its bustling streets and horse-drawn carriages, symbols of modernity and social mobility. By emphasizing the materiality of the paint and the artist's hand, Korovin blurs the lines between representation and abstraction, inviting viewers to appreciate the artwork not just for what it depicts, but for how it was made.