Winter 1914

Konstantin Alexeevich Korovin painted this scene of ‘Winter’ with oil, conjuring a profound sense of stillness. Here, we see snow, a powerful symbol of purity and dormancy. In many cultures, snow signifies not only the cold grip of winter but also the promise of renewal. This symbolism echoes through time, from ancient winter solstice festivals to modern interpretations of winter as a time of reflection and introspection. The rustic houses, blanketed in white, evoke a sense of shelter amidst the harshness of the season. Consider the Jungian archetype of the house: a symbol of the self. Here, the snow-laden dwellings might represent the self, temporarily concealed, yet enduring beneath layers of external pressures. The stark contrast between the dark, bare structures and the luminous snow engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This interplay between light and shadow, between the visible and the hidden, emphasizes the cyclical progression of life, where death and dormancy inevitably precede rebirth and growth, an eternal theme that continues to resurface in art.