Donkey Bridge (fragment) 

Niko Pirosmani, a self-taught Georgian painter, captured this evocative scene sometime in the early 20th century on oilcloth, a readily available material. Pirosmani's art sidesteps academic conventions and speaks directly to the social realities of his time. This fragment, possibly from a larger composition, portrays a figure rendered in simple, almost naive forms, set against a flat background. The figure may well be a representation of a tradesman or working-class individual. Pirosmani's oeuvre frequently depicted everyday life in Tbilisi, with its bustling markets, taverns, and the lives of ordinary people. Pirosmani's work challenges the established art institutions of his era. His focus on the quotidian, coupled with his rejection of formal training, positions him as a critical voice. To fully appreciate Pirosmani, we delve into the social history of Georgia during this period. We explore the rise of nationalism, the impact of Russian influence, and the burgeoning urban culture that Pirosmani captured with such sincerity. We use archives, newspapers and census data to shed light on the world from which it emerged.