Portrait of the Director Vsevolod emilyevich Meyerhold

Portrait of Director Meyerhold was written in 1938. Already played in the theater of Meyerhold ill-fated "Lady with camellias". Performance is not like Stalin, a pack of courtiers the critics have already savaged the Director, his wife, the actress Zinaida Reich have already written a letter in which he accused Stalin that he does not understand the art. Already closed, Meyerhold theatre, in 1938. Next year the Director will be arrested, his wife was "murdered by persons unknown". Konchalovsky has refused to sign a defamatory letter against the play in the spirit of "comrades resent and blame". However, under torture, the Director himself will sign whatever you give, and in 1940 he would be shot. At the time of writing the portrait only clouds are gathering. No, nothing anti-Soviet, the only portrait of the retired Director. But having eyes – will see.

The picture is painted at the intersection of realism expressionism and Fauvism, there are also elements of neo-primitivism. The carpet and sofa are depicted as ornamental plane that refers to the style of signage. A riot of colors, bright transitions, the bold combination of carefully drawn designs give the canvas the traits of Fauvism.

Restless, not knowing any peace, passionately devoted to his work, but almost in the spirit of Oriental padishahs reclines on the pillows. Eastern Association evoke colorful carpet and a box of tobacco. What bright, colorful, about bliss and pleasure. whispers, the picture could be! If not shown in her character.

Here's the thing – he does not look like a king, though remains in idleness (which for such an active person – punishment, not pleasure). Meyerhold suddenly voluminous (and the background is flat), the color of his clothing is gray (and the background is the riot of colors). It contrasts with the surrounding reality. And if you look in the face? Desperate and driven into the extinct opinion, is not bliss, and solenosti in the figure. He is cornered and exhausted, de-energized. The dog next to him looks sad, her eyes sad. If the dog feels that its paws on the feet of the master will not be able to protect.

Author: Alain Esaulova