In this work, Kandinsky experiments with one of the techniques of Neo-Impressionism—pointillism (the separation of color into distinct dots). During this period, the artist was actively searching for his own artistic language. Abstraction is still far off here; this piece is closer to Symbolism. However, his bold experiments with color and shape are as evident as ever.

An embracing couple on horseback against a purely Russian landscape (traditional costumes, birch trees, recognizable domes and turrets across the river, and so on) looks like an illustration from a Russian fairy tale book. The plot itself is invented, not based on any particular tale, although it certainly could be. This was probably the idea—to portray the traditional and folkloric through very modern means.

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All artworks by year

Elizabeth, USA: Stunning - it glows. How have I lived all these years and never seen this?

Tino Ramirez from Maili, Hawaii: What a gorgeous, spiritual painting. His genius was beginning to manifest.

Jordana Bevan from England: it should be called Wolfgang Bushpig

James from UK: Makes me think about Rimsk-Korsakov's "Kitezh". So beautiful!

Giordano from Switzerland: Best painting ever