Barge 1904

"Barge" is a linocut created by Anna Ostroumova-Lebedeva, an artist who navigated the complexities of being a woman in the male-dominated art world of late 19th and early 20th century Russia. As one of the first women to study printmaking at the Imperial Academy of Arts, her work provides a window into the cultural and political currents of her time, marked by social change and artistic innovation. Ostroumova-Lebedeva embraced printmaking as a medium, capturing cityscapes and maritime scenes with a distinct graphic style. "Barge" offers a glimpse into the working life on Russia's waterways. It's hard not to consider the artist's own journey as you look upon the strong lines of this print, tracing the waterways and the journeys of those whose lives were intrinsically connected to them. As you consider the print, reflect on the complex interplay of identity, history and artistic expression.