N. Baskakov, Milkmaids, Novella

     Isn't this a delightful image, doesn't it make you smile!   There are so few paintings of people in complete joy, laughing.  And here we have three robust, common working women, all dressed alike, taking a break from their duties.
   Nikolai Kikolayevich Baskakov (1918 - 1993) is the artist.   He was Russian, living his entire life in that nation.  After college he served in the Red Army for seven years so did not begin serious painting instruction till almost mid life.   He was educated in, and completely adhered, to the Russian form of impressionism and realism, and was very successful in his home country, creating a style of Russian art well accepted by all Russians.
    This painting is pretty simple in construction.  The circular row of milk cans, the side of the building and the fence cement the work, uniting the women.  Black and white in the rear suggest Holstein milking cows adding to the realistic topic of the painting. 
  I have looked up a meaning for novella, and it usually refers to a short novel, longer than a short story that has limited characters and direct message or plot, so interesting this word is used as a partial description, title for the work.
   According to my reading there are two versions of this painting.  I have found painting dates of 1962 and 1965.  One is listed as belonging to the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis and another writing states a version is in a private collection in Germany.   It is an oil on canvas measuring 47" x 90".
   Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.

Comments

  1. Char HarguthJuly 21, 2020 at 8:33 AM

    I love this picture and I am always interested in how the art reflected Russian history. This was painted after Stalin's death when rules were less rigid but it still had to reflect communist values. The milkmaids are all in white uniforms which suggests a government commune dairy. Some remarked that their realism was the truth, but not the whole truth. Moments of joy can still be had in dire situations. I like Baskakov's expressionist style, and what a beautiful composition. You can't help smiling with these milk maids. I saw this painting at the Russian Museum in the 1904 exhibition of The Russian Tradition. Thanks for sharing.

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