Boer uit Rusland 1826 - 1899

This print, Boer uit Rusland, was made by Ch. Reboul. The dimensions of the artwork are a height of 127 mm and a width of 81 mm. The composition is dominated by the figure of a Russian farmer, or "paysan russe," as the inscription indicates. Reboul employs a dense network of lines to define form and texture. Notice how the layering of lines creates tonal variations, giving depth to the peasant's heavy coat and the surrounding snowy landscape. The figure stands almost centrally, carrying a bag over his shoulder, a staff in hand. The artist uses line weight to create a hierarchy of focus, with the figure sharply defined against a more sketchily rendered background. This contrast directs our attention to the man, inviting us to consider his role and position within the broader social landscape. The use of hatching and cross-hatching introduces a tactile quality, simulating the roughness of the farmer's clothes and the uneven texture of the snow. The very act of close observation invites ongoing interpretations about its cultural and philosophical significance.