The Gardener 1913

Pavel Filonov, sometime in the first half of the 20th century, made this painting on canvas. It seems the artist is interested in how a rose, traditionally a symbol of love and beauty, intertwines with human existence. Observe how roses appear not just as objects but as integrated motifs, almost merging with the figures themselves. This integration echoes the ancient Roman concept of "memento mori," where flowers symbolized the transient nature of life. In Filonov’s vision, this symbolism takes on a complex, modern twist. The recurring hands and feet remind me of the symbolic gestures in medieval art, where each hand position conveyed specific meanings, from blessing to supplication. Here, Filonov presents them in a fractured manner, suggesting unease. It's as if the gestures are fragmented, reflecting a world where traditional meanings are questioned and perhaps lost. The cyclical pattern of life and decay continues as artists repeatedly return to these symbols, imbuing them with new significance. The rose and the gesture become potent symbols that resonate on a subconscious level, embodying collective memories and profound human experiences.