The Feast of Five Princes - Niko Pirosmani

A classic work by Georgian artist Niko Pirosmani, depicting a traditional feast with bold, simplified forms and a distinct folk-art aesthetic.

Niko Pirosmani, a self-taught Georgian painter, created this work during the early twentieth century. He often utilised oilcloth as a surface, which contributes to the distinct, matte finish seen in his compositions. The scene depicts a traditional Georgian supra, or feast, featuring five figures seated at a table laden with food and wine. A server stands to the left, holding a bottle, while the central figures are dressed in traditional attire, including tall papakhi hats.

Pirosmani is known for his direct, unadorned approach to painting. His figures possess a static, frontal quality that removes the need for complex perspective. The stark white tablecloth provides a visual anchor against the dark clothing of the men and the deep blue sky above. The composition is balanced, with the figures arranged in a rhythmic, repetitive manner that draws the eye across the table. The inclusion of a wine skin on the ground in the foreground adds a specific cultural detail to the scene, grounding the work in the social customs of the Caucasus region.

His work remained largely unrecognised during his lifetime, yet he is now regarded as a significant figure in the development of modern folk art. The simplicity of his forms and the sincerity of his subjects offer a clear window into the social life of Georgia at the turn of the century. This print captures the original texture of the oilcloth and the bold, graphic nature of Pirosmani's brushwork, making it a striking addition to a collection of twentieth-century art.