Venus 1912

Mikhail Larionov painted Venus sometime in the early 20th century, probably with oils on canvas. The orange and umber tones, and the way they define the reclining figure, feel so warm and close. You can see Larionov figuring things out as he goes, adjusting his lines, and layering on the colors. The texture of the paint gives the piece a real physical presence. It's not trying to be super-smooth or realistic; instead, you can see the brushstrokes and the way the colors blend together right on the surface. Look at how the warm browns and oranges of the background contrast with the pale figure. The different colors create a kind of vibration. The whole thing feels very intimate, like a stolen moment. Larionov was doing a lot of experimenting at this time, and you can see influences from Cubism, Impressionism, and Russian folk art all mixed together. It’s a reminder that art is a conversation, an ongoing process of taking and giving, and always open to new interpretations.