Painting “At lunch (At breakfast)”, Z. E. Serebryakova – overview 
- Posted by Zinaida Serebryakova
- Museum: Tretyakov Gallery
- Year: 1914
Overview of the painting :
“At lunch (At breakfast)” – Zinaida Evgenievna Serebryakova. Oil on canvas. 88.5 x 107 cm
A magnificent artistic masterpiece created by Z. E. Serebryakova! She put in her work the full value of her author’s skill! The plot of the picture “Behind lunch” (“At breakfast”) is a household scene.
In 1940, an art work was included in the collection of paintings by singer Lydia Ruslanova. Zinaida Serebryakova knew how to understand the world of the child. From marriage with her cousin Boris Serebryakov, she had four wonderful children: Eugene, Alexander, Catherine, Tatyana. Children loved to pose for her. They were wondering how mom draws them! Zinaida fabulously conjured with brush and paint, turning her dream into reality! Portraits came to life before everyone’s eyes! They had so much good, heat and sunlight! She pleased the world around her with the happiness of her work!
In artwork, a happy, carefree childhood is skillfully conveyed! A group portrait of her children gives earthly divine love! Children are particles of the universe. They are smart, wise, kind and gentle, and can also teach a lot to adults, you just have to listen to the heart of the child, feeling his spiritual purity. Zinaida Evgenievna was a subtle connoisseur of pediatric psychology, she knew how to convey the character of every baby on canvas. Here they are, beautiful children’s traits: the dreaminess and thoughtful immediacy of Zhenya, the sociability and talkativeness of Sasha, the lack of slowness and curiosity of Tanya. Everything was mixed into the single channel of their inner, spiritual world!
In the foreground are paintings – depicted by Sasha and Tanya (Tata). The boy eats soup from the plate, turning to face his mother, engaged in creative work. He wants to communicate and express his thoughts, he has a lot of questions in his head. But he knows, mom can’t be disturbed. A small tattoo in a blue dress and lace white apron, putting his hand on a plate, is surprised to watch what is happening. She wants to get off her chair and come closer to her mother who draws them.
In the background are paintings – sitting at the Zhenya table. He holds a glass of water in his hands and is full of his dreams! The table is covered with a beautiful, snow-white tablecloth. On it are cutlery, napkins, items of kitchen utensils. Grandmother (nanny) with warmth pours soup on plates.
The picture shows contrasting combinations of blue and white, different shades of brown. The calm tones of color color create a peaceful, quiet, homely atmosphere.
Portraits of children in the artist’s work occupied a special place. In the early period, she loved to portray peasant children. In them she was attracted by character, appearance, manners, personality formation.
Art work gives kindness and love. It charges with favorable energy, carries optimism, gives a good mood. The picture will look great in the home interior of the living room and children’s room.