Painting “Whirlwind” by Philip Andreevich Malyavin is an inspired hymn to the beauty and strength of character of Russian peasant women

Whirlwind – a painting that Philip Andreevich Malyavin presented to the public at the exhibition “World of Art” in 1906. The riot of colors captivates the viewer and, like a whirlpool, draws him into the ongoing action. On a green meadow, depicted rather conventionally, five peasant women are dancing. They are not embarrassed by a sudden gust of wind that lifts the hems of sundresses.

Saturated coloring emphasizes the atmosphere of a village holiday. The composition resembles a “matryoshka doll”: two figures are depicted in the foreground, two more in the second, and one in the third. The faces are worked out with great care, which allows you to guess the emotional state of each of the heroines. Someone completely surrenders to carefree fun, another is majestically calm, moving with proud grace. On the right, the girl spread her arms to the sides – we can assume that she is fervently spinning, carried away by the rhythm of the dance.

Name of the painting: “Whirlwind”.
Author: Philip Andreevich Malyavin (1869-1940).
Year of writing: 1906
Size: 223.5 x 414.5 cm.
Style: Modern. Impressionism.
Genre: Household.
Technique: Oil.
Material: Canvas.
Location: State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia.

Philip Andreevich Malyavin is one of the most original Russian artists.

Throughout his life he painted peasant women, their images and made him famous. The painter found prototypes among the residents of the village of Aksinino, where he lived in his estate. The born colorist was captivated by the Ryazan folk costume. The master constantly improved the technology of oil painting and succeeded a lot. Even after so many years, his work is striking in its freshness and brightness. Innovative, notable for its bold picturesque work, it did not leave anyone indifferent, causing both violent attacks and enthusiastic responses. Unconditional support was given to his student by Ilya Efimovich Repin, who saw in him “a brilliant representative of a new type of art.”

The painting “Whirlwind” by Philip Malyavin was acquired by the Tretyakov Gallery shortly after the exhibition, in the exhibition of which it represents one of the brightest pages in the history of Russian fine art of the early 20th century.