Picture “At the Omut”, Levitan, 1892 
- Posted by Isaac Ilyich Levitan
- Museum: Tretyakov Gallery
- Year: 1892
Overview of the painting :
Omut – Levitan. 1892. Oil on canvas. 150×209
The gloomy work of the author made a double impression on the public. On the one hand, the artist was already widely known not only among his colleagues, but also among all the connoisseurs of painting. On the other hand, Repin spoke very cold about this work, which could not but impress the public. Many came to look at this picture only because recognized authority in the visual art spoke very unflattering about it.
It is known that the author was inspired by an old legend talking about the unhappy love and suicide of a young girl. This place seemed to attract the artist, excited the imagination, did not let go.
Many note that in this work the master intentionally renounces the inherent ease and airiness of all his work. Powerful, heavy smears written work.
A painful, depressive atmosphere surrounds the pool at the mill. The audience’s attention is focused on the sky, which masterfully conveys the mood of the ever-increasing tension. The author will not sting on paint to convey all the colorful range of water surface in the rays of the evening sun. Fresh logs in the bridges look powerful, but the bridges themselves remain unreliable. The very word “omut” evokes associations with tragedy.
In the greenery surrounding the pool you can see the outlines of monsters and ghosts. All work is permeated with a special spirit that makes it related to fairy tales and traditions. The viewer has the impression that the pool is waiting for new victims. He is insatiable, his greed has no boundaries. Even the water around is painted in reddish tones, like traces of blood of past victims.
Perhaps only in this only work, the author does not give the viewer any hope for a happy outcome of the event. There is not an event here, only an elusive and ominous reminder of what once happened here. Or it may happen very soon.