Peasant boys guard the horses at night 1869

"Peasant Boys Guard the Horses at Night" is a painting by Vladimir Makovsky, a prominent Russian artist known for his depictions of peasant life, completed in 1869. The artwork portrays a group of young peasant boys gathered around a campfire under a twilight sky. They are guarding a herd of horses grazing in the distance. The soft, warm tones of the sky and the dim light of the fire create a sense of tranquility and intimacy, highlighting the boys' simple yet vital role in rural life. The composition, with its focus on figures and the quiet landscape, reflects Makovsky's interest in social realism, a movement emphasizing the lives and struggles of everyday people. This poignant depiction of the boys' responsibility and the beauty of their surroundings offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of rural Russia.