Anastasia Kuznetsova-RufApples, 2018 · For sale
(from the “From the HOLIDAY to the HOLIDAY” series)
Canvas, charcoal pencil, tempera · 105 × 160 cm · Russia

The canvas abounds with a bountiful harvest of ripe apples, an emblem of autumn's yield, and a contemporary evocation of Adam and Eve. Here, a woman extends a slice of apple to a man, anchoring the narrative in the perennial allegory of the fruit of knowledge.

However, the tableau features an array of fruits, mirroring the surge of modern-day wisdom, enticements, and prospects. The crux lies in discerning how to navigate this abundance. As the adage goes, "A foolish companion attempts to control a person, while a wise one guides them." It's a known truth that behind many a great man stands a sagacious woman, providing astute direction.