Pomegranates and quince 

Sattar Bahlulzade made this work, "Pomegranates and Quince," using pencil and felt pen on paper. Its loose and energetic style can be connected to the changing social context of mid-20th century Azerbaijan, then part of the Soviet Union. Looking at the image, notice the vibrant colors and simplified forms. These visual choices relate to a broader artistic movement away from Soviet Realism, which had been the official style. Bahlulzade and others began exploring more subjective and expressive modes. This shift wasn't just about aesthetics. It reflected a desire for greater cultural autonomy and a move toward a more individualized artistic voice within a highly controlled political system. Historians examine artists' biographies, exhibition records, and cultural policies to better understand the meaning of artworks. In this case, Bahlulzade's work offers a window into a time of cultural change. It shows the complex negotiation between artistic expression and social constraints.