This fairly small study, a genre painting set in a cafe, was added to the collection of the Kostroma Museum Reserve as a result of an exploratory trip to the Kologrivsky district by employees of Kostroma’s fine arts museum in 1975. The cracks, abrasions and a deformation resulting in damage of the left-hand lower corner of the work were repaired, and dirt and debris removed by restorer Vikhoreva from the All-Russian Art Research and Restoration Center named after academician I.E. Grabar in 1976. At the start of the XX century, people involved in the arts and culture were faced with the challenging task of seeking their own new worldview.
The dream of changing the world and the opportunity to acquire the latest knowledge were a powerful force that drew young people to Saint Petersburg. Having arrived in the capital during these challenging times and artistic turmoil, Yefim Chestnyakov’s creative side found itself being influenced by many different movements. The charming atmosphere of the city and its cafés inspired marvelous paintings, which are popular to this day.
In his work ‘In a café’, the artist, first and foremost, portrayed his impressions of life in Saint Petersburg. The study depicts couples in love, friends and young men sitting at tables and talking to each other. The observant gaze of the valet is turned towards us and the door where clients are welcomed. The study is one of the first works of art painted by Yefim Chestnyakov in his small flat on Vasilyevsky Island. His poems, written at that time, reflect his doubts and anxiety.
The dream of changing the world and the opportunity to acquire the latest knowledge were a powerful force that drew young people to Saint Petersburg. Having arrived in the capital during these challenging times and artistic turmoil, Yefim Chestnyakov’s creative side found itself being influenced by many different movements. The charming atmosphere of the city and its cafés inspired marvelous paintings, which are popular to this day.
In his work ‘In a café’, the artist, first and foremost, portrayed his impressions of life in Saint Petersburg. The study depicts couples in love, friends and young men sitting at tables and talking to each other. The observant gaze of the valet is turned towards us and the door where clients are welcomed. The study is one of the first works of art painted by Yefim Chestnyakov in his small flat on Vasilyevsky Island. His poems, written at that time, reflect his doubts and anxiety.
‘A peasant approaches a café,
With a saw and an axe in his hands.
His kaftan’ (a tunic of sorts) ‘and shirt are in tatters,
And the bast shoes on his feet are worn out.
The son of a poor, downtrodden village
Is standing there, feeling bewildered and self-conscious…
Inside a glitzy café,
He looks pitiful and ridiculous…
He does not dare to step onto
The smooth hardwood floor with his feet —
The people inside are so well-dressed and clean.
The peasant would at least like some water.
But the young ladies with
Feathers and flowers in their hats
Are looking at him, seemingly wanting to say
“Where do you come from, bumpkin?..”
“I would like a cup of tea, ”
He said to the doorman sheepishly…
The valet answered “I do not know about that”,
And pointed to the door with his finger.
“You are not dressed appropriately for this establishment, ”
The valet explained to the man, adding
“You can easily drink form a barrel”.
And asked him to leave…’
These amateurish and sheepish experiments with poetry by the artist seem to reflect his own bitter experiences, which makes the words even more precious to us.
With a saw and an axe in his hands.
His kaftan’ (a tunic of sorts) ‘and shirt are in tatters,
And the bast shoes on his feet are worn out.
The son of a poor, downtrodden village
Is standing there, feeling bewildered and self-conscious…
Inside a glitzy café,
He looks pitiful and ridiculous…
He does not dare to step onto
The smooth hardwood floor with his feet —
The people inside are so well-dressed and clean.
The peasant would at least like some water.
But the young ladies with
Feathers and flowers in their hats
Are looking at him, seemingly wanting to say
“Where do you come from, bumpkin?..”
“I would like a cup of tea, ”
He said to the doorman sheepishly…
The valet answered “I do not know about that”,
And pointed to the door with his finger.
“You are not dressed appropriately for this establishment, ”
The valet explained to the man, adding
“You can easily drink form a barrel”.
And asked him to leave…’
These amateurish and sheepish experiments with poetry by the artist seem to reflect his own bitter experiences, which makes the words even more precious to us.
