Artwork
Пруд. Село Узкое
Пруд. Село Узкое is an unspecified painting by the Art Nouveau artist Apollinary Vasnetsov. It dates from 1924 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery. Created in 1924, this oil painting portrays a quiet pond set within the rural landscape of the village of Uzkoe.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1924, this oil painting portrays a quiet pond set within the rural landscape of the village of Uzkoe. A gentle rise of grass‑covered hills forms the backdrop, punctuated by scattered trees and a modest dock that suggests a place for small boats. The overall atmosphere is one of calm, inviting the viewer to linger over the still water and surrounding foliage.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures a moment of pastoral tranquility, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between water and land. By focusing on the reflective surface of the pond and the soft illumination of the surrounding hills, the artist conveys a sense of timeless serenity, reflecting a nostalgic view of the Russian countryside that was increasingly disappearing in the early twentieth century.
Technique & Style
Executed in a restrained palette dominated by muted greens, the painting employs delicate gradations of light and shadow to model the water’s surface and the rolling terrain. The handling of brushwork is smooth, with subtle transitions that echo the Art Nouveau emphasis on organic forms and decorative harmony, while still retaining a realistic observation of the scene.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced by Apollinary Vasnetsov, a self‑taught Russian painter who refined his skills under the guidance of his brother Viktor and through work at the Abramtsevo artists’ colony, where he absorbed influences from Vasily Polenov. Since its creation, the painting has been part of the Tretyakov Gallery’s collection, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s representation of early twentieth‑century Russian landscape art.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Apollinary Mikhaylovich Vasnetsov (Russian: Аполлина́рий Миха́йлович Васнецо́в; 6 August 1856 – 23 January 1933) was a Russian painter and graphic artist.
