Left hand with the index finger 1885

Vasily Polenov made this painting of a left hand with index finger in oil paint on canvas. It's a study, as indicated by the bare canvas background. The quick, sketch-like quality shows in the varying brushstrokes, and the texture of the paint itself. Looking closely, we see a skilled handling of light and shadow, and also the imperfections of the hand. The color palette is realistic, almost life-like, and is tied to wider social issues of labor. It is easy to imagine this hand holding tools, working the land, or building things. The material is tied to the hand's appearance. Polenov has captured the essence of a working hand. It has clearly spent a lot of time outdoors, likely doing labor. Polenov reminds us that making is not only about the artist's vision, but also about the labor that goes into every aspect of our lives.