Painting After the Rain, Quinji, 1879 
- Posted by Arkhip Ivanovich Quinji
- Museum: Tretyakov Gallery
- Year: 1879
Overview of the painting :
After the rain – Quinji. 1879. Oil on canvas. 102×159
The work was first presented to the general public as part of the exhibition of “advizniki”, with which the master collaborated. The picture was enthusiastically accepted by criticism, which, once again, noted the author’s unsurpassed skill in the image of the world.
Before the viewer, a bright, juicy landscape, updated with a strong and life-giving rain. Judging by the clouds, the thunderstorm was serious. Water washed away from the grass all the signs of long heat and drought. Pityly absorbing moisture, the fields exploded in bright green under the rays of the evening sun. Dark and ominous clouds are still full of thunder, but the elements are already retreating to revitalize other places.
A small farm on a high hill is dressed up and comfortable. Work contrasts create an atmosphere of lightness and aromaticness that comes after rain. The silence and peace of the illuminated part of the work are opposed to the riot of the elements in heaven. The complex movement of the clouds, tense and strong, no longer scares the viewer. His views are riveted to the sunny bright part of the landscape.
The banks of the small river, gouged by rain, overgrown with reeds, create additional comfort and a “sound” row of paintings. The viewer “hear”, feels, touches what he sees.
The picture is undoubtedly written from nature. Despite the use of bright, clean and very contrasting tones, the landscape looks very real. The accuracy of the lines, the inner harmony of the picture makes it one of the most expressive in the work of the master.