Fishing 

Vasily Perov's "Fishing," an oil on canvas, captures a poignant moment. Perov’s painting style reflects realism, focusing on the human condition using subdued colors and detailed textures. The old man’s clothes, with visible wear, speak to a life of labor. The artist's brushstrokes are used to convey the rough texture of the cloth, and the way it folds and creases around the figures. It's not a glamorous activity, and the mood of the painting, through its depiction of the figures and their surroundings, underscores the hardships of poverty in Russia. The fishing rod itself, seemingly hand-carved from a simple branch, symbolizes the reliance on basic tools and skills for survival. The figures are shown immersed in the act of trying to catch a fish for food, reflecting the daily grind of trying to survive. By highlighting these details, Perov elevates everyday life and labor to a subject of fine art, challenging the norms of traditional academic painting.