Vendor of Song Books 1864

Vasily Perov’s “Vendor of Song Books,” captures a street scene, likely in Russia, during the mid-19th century, though the artwork date is unknown. It provides a glimpse into the social and cultural life of the time. Notice how the central figures are gathered around a vendor, their faces turned upwards. The books he sells are likely “lubki,” popular folk prints, which often included songs and stories. These prints were a vital form of communication and entertainment for the lower classes, offering a means of cultural expression outside the control of the state. The presence of a police officer in the background reminds us of the ever-present scrutiny of the authorities and the potential for censorship. Perov was part of the “Peredvizhniki,” a movement of Russian realist artists who aimed to depict the lives of ordinary people and critique social inequality. Through careful examination of period documents, we can better understand the cultural role of "lubki" and the social conditions that made them so popular. The role of the historian is to illuminate the connection between art and the socio-political context in which it was created.