Bouquet with butterflies

Author: Chernysheva E.D.
Year of publication: 1989
Size (WxH): 38.2x47 cm
Price: 38000 ₽

Original colour print in linocut technique. The still -life is designed by famous Soviet painter E.D. Chernysheva. The first impression of the works by Elena Chernysheva is that of flowing luminous colour with light and flexible contours. The rich tonal range that becomes saturated and lush or transparent and weightless attracts the eye. The material principle spiritualized and the momentary passes into a romantic eternity. She gives herself over to her explorations of emotion through form and colour. Still-life painting starts showing the flowers and each type of flower has its own meaning. So do as the insects: the fly (not in this print) is a symbol of evil (the devil) contrasts with the butterfly, a symbol of good and an emblem of salvation and resurrection.

The butterfly reminds us of the transience of life and the ephemerality of luxury, which we mistakenly consider an important part of life. The engraving actually speaks of the fragile beauty of the natural world embodied in flowers and butterflies. It urges the viewer to live in harmony with nature, be responsible and avoid excesses. Two small lemon coloured butterflies immediately catch the eye. The butterflies seem to be about to be caught, but one sits on the edge of the table and the other seeks to fly over the edge of the painting. These winged creatures are still a symbol of vanitas or vanity of vanities.The painting  is signed with the author's name.