Jongen met hond en mand 1857 - 1914

This is Nikolay Semyonovich Mosolov’s etching of a boy with dog and basket. Though undated, it shows the artist's interest in the lives of ordinary people, a common theme in 19th-century Russian art. Mosolov worked in a period of significant social and political change in Russia, including the abolition of serfdom and the rise of populist movements. The image creates meaning through its depiction of a young boy, likely from a lower social class, engaged in everyday life. The dog and basket suggest a narrative of work and companionship. The art institutions of the time, like the Academy of Arts, were debating the role of art in reflecting and commenting on social realities. This piece seems to align with a progressive desire to depict authentic, unidealized scenes of Russian life. Understanding the social and institutional context of this work requires delving into the history of Russian art, the dynamics of social class, and the debates within artistic institutions of the era. Only then can we fully appreciate the historical and cultural significance of Mosolov's etching.