Carrying Horse 1892

Ilya Repin’s "Carrying Horse", made with pastel on paper in 1892, presents us with a snapshot of rural life in late 19th-century Russia. Here we see a horse harnessed and ready for work, accompanied by a peasant. The subdued color palette reflects the somber realities of peasant life in Russia at this time. It's useful to remember that Repin was active during a period of significant social upheaval, as Russia struggled with issues of modernization, industrialization, and social inequality. As we know, many artists of his time aimed to depict the lives of ordinary people, often to critique the existing social order. To better understand this artwork, we might look into the history of Russian serfdom and the social reforms of the late 19th century. What we learn from historical sources can deepen our appreciation for the image and its commentary on the social structures of its time.