Burlak 1870

"Burlak" is a painting by Ilya Repin from 1870. The painting depicts a close-up portrait of a burlak, a Russian laborer who hauled barges along rivers using their own strength. The painting is a realistic depiction of the hardships faced by working-class Russians in the 19th century, highlighting their physical exhaustion and stoic demeanor. The use of muted colors and the subtle details of the man's worn clothing and weathered face further emphasize his struggles. Repin's artwork is a powerful example of social realism, a style that emerged in the 19th century to depict the lives and struggles of ordinary people.