Picture “Prossek”, Savrasov, 1873 
- Posted by Alexey Kondratievich Savrasov
- Museum: Tretyakov Gallery
- Year: 1873
Overview of the painting :
The clearing is Savrasov. 1873. Oil on canvas. 57×70
The work was not intended for the general public. The author did not dare to expose her for public viewing, considering her plot too simple and mundane. For a long time the picture was in the collection of a friend of the artist. When she appeared at the exhibition, she made the most favorable impression on the public and criticism.
Which could be worse than the 19th century Russian road? Perhaps nothing. Perhaps all the classics of Russian literature wrote about road troubles. Here and here the author shows a small section of the country road after heavy rain… But dirt and confusion gain extraordinary attractiveness, arrogance and natural beauty.
The author, first of all, admires the nature that came to life in the rain, the reflection of the sky in puddles, the desire of trees to touch the sky.
Even the formidable clouds left after the rain do not scare, and practically do not affect the invigorating and unusually fresh atmosphere of the picture.
Saturated, thick tones that the master uses create an expressive color of work. Unusually, the workshop, working with light, fills the picture with illusoryness and balances the “gravity” of the main tones. The spectral purity of the colors further enhances the effect of freshness that came after the pouring rain.
The prospect of work does not take the audience’s attention beyond the horizon. It makes him pay attention to the natural beauty of nature, regardless of the weather. The master proves that the beauty of Russian nature cannot be dependent on the vagaries of the elements. It’s all about the person’s ability to see the beautiful in everything.