Sad Father 1874

"Sad Father" is a graphite sketch on paper by the Russian realist artist Vasily Perov, created in 1874. The artwork depicts a close-up portrait of an older man with a sorrowful expression, his head bowed in contemplation. Perov's masterful use of shading and detail conveys the man's deep emotions, capturing a moment of quiet despair. This powerful image is characteristic of Perov's focus on everyday life and the struggles of the common people, making it a significant work in the Russian Realist tradition. The small size of the artwork, 21.8 x 16.8 cm, suggests it was a personal study for Perov, a testament to his interest in capturing the nuances of human emotion.