Silence (2026) Original Oil Painting by Marina Popkova-Sologub

"Stillness and Raven"

This image speaks of a mysterious, almost timeless connection between human and nature. A woman is shown in profile, turned inward, her eyes closed and her expression one of quiet contemplation. Her dark hair, intricately pinned up yet with fine, loose strands falling free, lends her an air of mystery and an archaic quality.

A black raven perches on her shoulder—alert, calm, and dignified. It does not appear menacing, but rather like a trusted companion, a guardian, or perhaps even the embodiment of an unspoken thought. The raven has long symbolized wisdom, intuition, mystery, and the link between the visible and invisible worlds.

The warm gold and earth tones of the background give the image the appearance of an ancient icon or a fragment from a bygone era. The delicate wildflowers at the bottom of the frame offer a poetic contrast to the raven’s dark plumage. They evoke the transience of things, yet also the quiet beauty of life.

The stillness of the image is particularly striking. The woman does not speak, the raven remains silent—and yet, a dialogue seems to be taking place between them. It is a moment of pause, of intuition, and of inner knowing.

In this context, the raven becomes a symbol for that which cannot be explained in words: for memory, freedom, secrets, and the voice of our own inner world.

Materials used:

Oil, Canvas, Gold

Details:

• Oil painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 85 x 100 x 3cm (unframed)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the front
• Style: Photorealistic
• Subject: People and portraits