The mirror in V. E. Borisov-Musatov’s painting "The Pool"

The article looks into the mirror motif in V. E. Borisov-Musatov's painting "The Pool", which is one of the masterpieces of Russian painting symbolism. The object of the research is V. E. Borisov-Musatov's painting "The Pool", the subject of the research is the role and functions of the mirror motif in this painting. The manifestations of the three modes of the mirror phenomenon in "The Pool" – the mirror-object, the idea of specular reflection and the image of the mirror are analyzed in detail. The principle of specular reflection is traced in the construction of the composition, in the organization of the linear structure and color system of the painting. Special attention is paid to the problem of the mirror and specular reflection in Musatov's painting techniques. The significance of the mirror phenomenon in the development of the figurative component in Symbolist pieces of art is revealed. The research was based on structural-semiotic and hermeneutic-phenomenological methods. General scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization were used. The research concluded that the mirror motif plays a structure-forming role in the visual image of "The Pool". The painting of "The Pool" manifests the basic principles of Musatov's painting techniques. The research shows that the mirror phenomenon is the key to revealing the specificity and essence of the Symbolist worldview. In the painting, V. E. Borisov-Musatov created a suggestive visual image that affects the feelings of the viewers. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that the mirror matters in Symbolist painting are involved into the context of global replacement of texts with images as the dominant channel of information transmission. The article is of interest to researchers engaged in the study of symbolism, fine art, visual culture, and image theory.

mirror, specular reflection, motif, painting, structure, visual image, worldview, symbolism, culture, art