At School Doors 1897

"At School Doors", painted in 1897 by Russian artist Nikolay Bogdanov-Belsky, depicts a poignant scene of a young boy, dressed in tattered clothes and carrying a bag, standing outside a classroom door. He gazes longingly at the students within, highlighting the stark contrast between his impoverished circumstances and the opportunity for education available to others. This realistic portrayal of social inequality in 19th-century Russia resonated with audiences and remains a powerful commentary on the importance of access to education for all.