On Deck 1920

Vladimir Makovsky painted this image of people on deck with oil on canvas. The strokes are soft and blended, like he’s trying to catch a memory fading into the horizon. I love how he uses these muted tones, a bit like old photographs, where the story is more in the atmosphere than in sharp details. Look at how the light catches the white jacket of the figure in the centre. It’s not just a splash of white; it’s built up with subtle blues and greys that give it volume. It feels like Makovsky is inviting us to really see the weight and texture of the fabric, as if we could reach out and feel the salt and wind it's absorbed. And then there’s that figure lying down in the red shirt – a dash of vibrant colour amidst all the subdued tones, drawing your eye and adding a touch of drama. Makovsky’s work reminds me a little of Courbet, that same focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people, but with a quieter, more introspective touch. It's about how art can hold a space for contemplation, inviting us to bring our own stories and interpretations to the surface.