Peasant with a bridle (Portrait of Mina Moiseyev)

Portrait Of Mina Moiseyev included in the series of paintings, which Kramskoy portrayed folk characters (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). In the realistic tradition of the NINETEENTH century, it was decided to classify the folk portraits. That is, each individual character represented a certain type of people. Whole encyclopedia of characters of Russian life represented by Repin in his "The procession".

Archaeology adhered to the democratic views in his youth – even radical, he has organized the release of the Academy of arts of 14 of the most talented students, organized the Artel of artists, and later became one of the organizers and ideologists of the Association of traveling exhibitions. With the ideological views clearly, and what about the painting? Contrary to the representation that would arise from his public activities, the Muse of archaeology is not accusatory. His folk types just live their lives and do not indicate the society in its shortcomings. The artist uses it for didactic purposes, but just shows, maybe even admires them. And the world of archaeology was made didactics, but in his work it did not penetrate. Mina Moiseev – one of the most successful people's characters Kramskoy. Study for the paintingwas painted from life. This charming peasant Kramskoy met at the station Siverskaya near St. Petersburg, where the artist was giving.

"Peasant with bridle" – the canvas more monumental than the preceding etude. At first glance Meena may seem senile, but, looking closely, we notice a powerful figure, with a tattered coat which falls wide folds, like a Regal mantle, and reliability strong hands, leaning on his staff, and the crafty, good-natured, full of inner strength, serenity and wisdom glance from under shaggy eyebrows.

Archaeology is not often paid close attention to clothes, with an emphasis on the face of the model, but in this case, carefully, with admiring written and very spacious blue shirt, and a fluffy gray coat, and hanging from the hands of Mina Moiseyev horse harness.

It is obvious that depicts a cute author. Researched often compare the way the Mines of the mosaic image Leo Tolstoy. The face of a peasant illuminates the warm, soft light, especially distinct on a dark background.

Author: Alain Esaulova