Guitarist-bach. (Et. to because of the same name from the timing). Fig. pencil. GTG Vasily Perov (1833-1882)

Here we observe a figure seated and engaged in playing a stringed instrument resembling a guitar. The work is executed entirely in pencil, lending it a raw, immediate quality. A sense of spontaneity permeates the composition; lines are loose and expressive, suggesting a rapid capture of form rather than meticulous rendering.
The subject’s posture conveys a certain introspection. He sits hunched slightly forward, his gaze directed towards the instruments fretboard. The beard obscures much of his face, contributing to an air of anonymity or perhaps a deliberate attempt to focus attention on the act of musical creation itself. His clothing appears somewhat disheveled – a long coat and heavy boots – suggesting a disregard for conventional appearances, possibly hinting at a bohemian lifestyle or a rejection of societal norms.
The artist has employed varying degrees of pressure with the pencil, creating tonal contrasts that define the form. Darker shading emphasizes areas like the beard, hair, and the shadows cast by the figure’s body, while lighter strokes delineate the instrument and parts of the clothing. The background is minimally defined, further directing focus onto the central subject.
The composition feels somewhat cramped; the figure fills much of the frame, intensifying the sense of intimacy and immediacy. This close proximity to the subject encourages a feeling of shared experience – as if the viewer were present during this private moment of musical expression. The placement of the feet, slightly angled and positioned near the bottom edge of the image, creates a subtle dynamism within the otherwise static pose.
Subtly, theres an element of melancholy conveyed through the figure’s posture and the muted tonal palette. It is not a celebratory depiction; rather, it suggests a solitary pursuit, perhaps one driven by internal necessity or profound feeling. The work seems to explore themes of artistic dedication, introspection, and the quiet power of individual expression.