Burlak who hold hands on the strap. 1866 Vasily Vereshchagin (1842-1904)

The painting depicts a single burlak, a bargeman or hauler, in a full-body, three-quarter profile from left to right. They are dressed in simple, worn peasant clothing: a light-colored shirt, trousers, and a dark hat tilted forward, obscuring part of their forehead. A thick, dark strap is fastened across their chest and shoulders, leading forward, suggesting they are engaged in towing a barge or boat. Their hands grip the strap firmly, pulling with visible effort. The burlaks face is gaunt and weathered, with a visible beard and mustache. The skin is ruddy, particularly on the nose and cheeks, and their eyes are cast down, conveying a sense of exhaustion and resignation. The background is a pale, textured wash, emphasizing the isolated figure and their arduous task.
The subtext of the painting lies in its portrayal of labor and human endurance. The burlak represents the immense physical toil and often dehumanizing conditions faced by the working class in 19th-century Russia. The single figure, isolated against a featureless background, underscores the individual struggle and the immense burden they carry. The tautness of the strap and the bent posture of the burlak visually communicate the weight of their labor and the relentless nature of their work. The worn clothing and rough features speak to a life of hardship and poverty. This painting is a powerful social commentary, bringing attention to the plight of these laborers and serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of economic processes. It evokes empathy for the individual and highlights the societal conditions that necessitate such back-breaking work.