Amateur Vasily Perov (1833-1882)

This is an oil painting titled Amateur, depicting a domestic scene within what appears to be an artists studio or living space.

What I see:

The central figure is a man, seemingly in his middle age, seated in a reclining armchair. He wears a robe or dressing gown over his clothes, a pipe clenched in his mouth, and a hint of red staining his shirt. His eyes are closed, and he appears to be dozing or perhaps meditating on something. In his lap, he cradles a palette and brushes, suggesting he is an artist.

Behind him, a woman stands, also holding a baby. She is looking intently at the man, her hand raised to her eye as if squinting or trying to gauge his condition or perhaps his artistic potential. The baby, wrapped in white, seems oblivious to the scene.

The background reveals elements of an artists space: an easel with a canvas (partially visible), framed paintings on the wall, and some clutter on a nearby table that might include art supplies or personal effects. A window with a curtain is visible on the left. The overall lighting is somewhat dim, creating an intimate and perhaps melancholic atmosphere.

Subtexts:

1. The Amateur Artist: The title itself is a key element. The mans relaxed, almost sleepy pose, the pipe, and the presence of the family suggest a dilettante rather than a dedicated professional. He might be an enthusiast who enjoys painting as a hobby but lacks the rigor or passion of a true artist. The subtle red stain could symbolize a minor mishap in his artistic endeavors, or perhaps something more significant if interpreted figuratively.

2. Domestic Intrusion on Art: The woman and the child represent the demands and realities of domestic life intruding upon the solitary pursuit of art. Her attentive gaze could convey a range of emotions: concern for her husband, gentle amusement at his hobby, or perhaps a subtle critique of his commitment to his craft. The baby adds another layer of responsibility and presence to the scene.

3. The Gaze and Judgment: The womans gesture of bringing her hand to her eye to squint is a powerful visual cue. It suggests she is observing, assessing, and perhaps judging. This could refer to her assessing her husbands state of health, his artistic skill, or even his worth as a provider and partner. It hints at the unspoken dynamics within their relationship and the societal expectations placed upon men and women.

4. Leisure vs. Labor: The painting contrasts the mans apparent leisure and idleness with the implied labor of art and family. The pipe and smoking attire suggest relaxation, while the art supplies and the womans vigilance speak to continuous engagement.

5. Irony and Satire: Theres a potential for irony or gentle satire in the portrayal of the amateur artist. He appears more engaged in repose than in creation at this moment, while his wife, the supposed observer, seems more actively involved in assessing the situation. The title, combined with the visual cues, could be a witty commentary on the nature of amateurism and the performance of art.

Overall, Amateur seems to be a nuanced depiction of the intersection of art, domesticity, and relationships, inviting the viewer to ponder the motivations, realities, and unspoken tensions within this seemingly quiet scene.