Golubyatnik, Perov, 1874

Description of the picture:

Doveberry – Perov. 1874. Oil on canvas. 107×80.7

   The artist’s work is filled with a sense of happiness, youth and freedom. The plot is simple, easy and understandable, it is devoid of all sorts of complexities and deep meanings. Before us is a young man busy with what he loves. Pigeons are a favorite pastime not only of Moscow boys, but also of adults. Entertainment is characteristic of romantic and energetic natures.

   The author created a picture that reveals the image of the pigeon – a strong, ingenuous, open young guy. Only a few details – a broken front tooth, a pectoral cross on the chest and disheveled blond hair – speak much more about the hero than long stories. Before us is undoubtedly a kind, sociable young man, of emotional and explosive temperament (the absence of a front tooth indicates participation in many fights that are common for a boy). He confidently rests on the visor of the roof of the pigeon house.

   The blueberry’s gaze is turned high into the sky, where a flock of pigeons is circling. Man’s eternal dream of flying in this view, envy and unlimited happiness. Everything suggests that the subject of the image was youth and happiness. It can be seen that the dovecote is equipped with love for pets, even a curtain is provided. The pigeons themselves, written by the author accurately and competently, are not at all afraid of a person, it is clear that they are used to trusting their master and have never seen any evil from him.

   Sunlight floods the roof of the house, the blue summer sky occupies almost half of the composition. The whole composition of the picture seems to be directed upward.

   Skillfully combining summer, light and calm colors, the play of light and shadow, the author filled his work with extraordinary warmth and love of life. The viewer becomes infected with positive energy and absolutely childish enthusiasm reigning for the work of the master of genre painting."

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