Alexander Mikhailovich Gerasimov

Ames, Iowa, Brunnier Museum, From Russian Easels, 2003
Peoria, Illinois, Lakeview Museum, Russian Impressionist Paintings, 27 August - 6 November 2005
Minneapolis, The Museum of Russian Art, Milkmaids and Friends, 19 February - 5 May 2007
Minneapolis, The Museum of Russian Art, Russian Impressionism: The Edge of Soviet Art, 14 January - 26 April 2008
Minneapolis, The Museum of Russian Art, Ruskiy Salon: Select Masterpieces & Newly Revealed Works, 2 February - 30 August 2009

The canvas has been lined. The back of the painting is protected by a thick cardboard sheet. There are some lines of craquelure in places, especially to the impasto, where the cracking is more visible. There is a chip of paintloss to the lowest rose in the left-had vase. Uv light reveals spots of retouching to the edges of the canvas and further spots of retouchings in places elsewhere. Some pigments fluouresce under UV light. Held in a modern gold painted wooden frame. Unexamined out of frame.
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Although not strictly prohibited, still life painting was not encouraged by the Soviet authorities since it was believed that as a genre it contributed little to the promotion of Soviet ideals. However for Alexander Gerasimov, one of the best-loved and most accomplished artists of Russia's Socialist Realist school, floral still lifes form an important part of his oeuvre and within them he was able to convey an essence of the Heroic Realist style for which he was renowned in his official portraits and genre scenes.

Executed in broad and confident brushstrokes, this vibrant still life is unmistakeably Russian in its effusion of emotion and love for the decorative.  An abundance of blooms dominate the canvas, and the artist enhances the impression of lush foliage through the use of a mirror to give further depth to his composition.  The inclusion of the gilt porcelain vase lower right is a nod to Gerasimov's teacher, Konstantin Korovin, whose influence can clearly be sensed in the vivid colours and play of light on the objects of study.