The First Green. May. 1888

Isaac Levitan made this oil-on-canvas painting, entitled *The First Green. May.*, sometime between 1883 and 1888. In this painting, Levitan depicts a modest rural scene in Russia, capturing the delicate transition from winter to spring. The fresh green grass and budding trees symbolize renewal and hope. Russia at this time was undergoing significant social and political change, with a growing sense of national identity and a yearning for reform. Levitan, as a landscape painter, often focused on the understated beauty of the Russian countryside, imbuing his work with a sense of quiet emotion and introspection. The painting reflects the broader cultural movement of the time, which sought to depict the lives and landscapes of ordinary Russians, emphasizing the spiritual and emotional connection to the land. To gain a richer understanding of this artwork, we need to consider the historical context of late 19th-century Russia, examining sources such as period literature, social commentaries, and exhibition catalogs to gain further insight.