The painting " The Whirlwind" by Filipp Andreevich Malyavin is an inspiring hymn to the beauty and strength of character of Russian peasant women

The painting "The Whirlwind" by Filipp Andreevich Malyavin (1869-1940) was presented to the public at the "Mir iskusstva" (english: "World of Art") exhibition in 1906. The riot of colors captivates the viewer and draws them into the unfolding action like a whirlpool. On a green meadow depicted in a somewhat abstract manner, five peasant women are dancing. They are not bothered by the sudden gust of wind that lifts the hems of their sarafans made of colorful "French" calico, inflates the sleeves of their shirts with bubbles, and plays with the ends of their scarves. The rich palette emphasizes the atmosphere of a rural celebration, with vibrant, fiery, and vivid shades such as crimson, scarlet, and purple. The composition resembles a "matryoshka" doll: two figures are depicted in the foreground, two more in the second, and one in the third. The faces are meticulously rendered, allowing the viewer to sense the emotional state of each heroine: some fully indulge in carefree merriment, while others exude a majestic calmness, moving with proud grace. The girl on the far right spreads her arms wide, suggesting that she is spinning joyfully, carried away by the rhythm of the dance.

Filipp Malyavin. The painting The Whirlwind, 1906

• Title of the painting: "The Whirlwind" (Russian: «Вихрь»).
• Artist: Filipp Andreevich Malyavin (Russian: Филипп Андреевич Малявин) (1869-1940).
• Year of creation: 1906.
• Size: 223.5 x 414.5 cm.
• Style: Art Nouveau, Impressionism.
• Genre: Genre painting.
• Technique: Oil.
• Material: Canvas.
• Location: State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia.

Filipp Andreevich Malyavin is one of the most original Russian artists. Coming from humble origins, he dedicated his entire life to painting peasant women, and it is these depictions that made him famous. The painter found his models among the residents of the village of Aksinino, where he lived in his estate. The innate colorist was captivated by the traditional costumes of Ryazan, which featured various shades of red. The master constantly perfected the technique of oil painting and achieved considerable success. Even after so many years, his works continue to impress with their freshness and vibrancy.

This innovative and boldly picturesque artwork left no one indifferent, evoking both fierce criticism and enthusiastic responses. His student Ilya Yefimovich Repin provided unwavering support, recognizing him as a "genius representative of a new type of art".

The painting "The Whirlwind" by Filipp Malyavin was soon acquired by the Tretyakov Gallery, where it represents one of the brightest chapters in the history of Russian visual art in the early 20th century.