I grew up with this picture. I have always looked at it as a symbol of peace, strength, plenty and safety of my Motherland.
I have never - never until very very recently noticed the two little swallows skimming the ground right at the bottom centre of this big painting (3.5 feet by 6 feet). Any Russian would tell you what swallows skimming the ground mean: a storm is coming. It's not just granny's tales — it is a natural phenomenon. Birds can tell weather, and old folk knew how to tell weather by watching birds.
Shishkin, Rye, 1878, o/c, 104 cm x 1887 cm |
Storm? What storm?
Check this previous article:
Putin's Pines
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