Raznoschitsa. 1922 Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin (1878-1939)

The drawing presents a solitary female figure set against a backdrop of urban architecture and dense foliage. The woman is depicted carrying a large basket atop her head, her posture suggesting exhaustion and burden. Her eyes are cast downwards, conveying a sense of weariness or resignation. A simple white cloth covers her hair, and she wears modest clothing – a blouse with gathered sleeves and a patterned skirt – indicative of working-class status.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes texture and line. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a grainy effect throughout the composition, particularly noticeable in the rendering of the foliage and the woman’s garments. This textural approach contributes to an overall feeling of roughness and immediacy. The buildings behind her are rendered with simplified forms and a lack of detail, suggesting their anonymity and perhaps symbolizing the impersonal nature of urban life.
The subtexts within this drawing revolve around themes of labor, poverty, and resilience. The woman’s posture and expression evoke empathy for those engaged in arduous work, likely representing a common experience during a period of social upheaval or economic hardship. The basket she carries could symbolize not only her livelihood but also the weight of responsibility and societal expectations placed upon women.
The compositions verticality reinforces the sense of struggle and endurance. Despite the evident fatigue, the woman maintains an upright stance, hinting at inner strength and a determination to persevere. The contrast between the figure’s vulnerability and her unwavering posture creates a poignant tension within the work. The surrounding environment – the buildings and foliage – seem to press in on her, further emphasizing her isolation and the challenges she faces.