For earnings Leonid Solomatkin (1837-1883)

The composition presents a scene of urban life centered around three men clustered near a wall displaying a notice. The figures occupy the foreground, their forms rendered with a visible brushstroke that conveys texture and immediacy. They are dressed in working-class attire – heavy coats, caps, and sturdy boots – suggesting manual labor as their occupation. One man carries a sack slung over his shoulder, while another holds an axe strapped to his belt; the third leans on a pair of what appear to be surveying instruments or tools. Their gazes are directed towards the notice affixed to the wall, indicating a shared interest in its contents.
The notice itself is partially obscured by the figures and rendered with less detail, but Cyrillic script can be discerned, hinting at an official announcement or perhaps a list of prices or services offered. The wall against which it’s posted appears substantial, possibly part of a building or fortification, creating a sense of permanence and institutional presence.
Behind this immediate group, the cityscape unfolds. A large dome, likely belonging to a significant public structure – potentially a church or government building – dominates the background. This architectural element is rendered with looser brushwork than the foreground figures, suggesting distance and a degree of idealized representation. The surrounding buildings are depicted in muted tones, contributing to an overall atmosphere of urban austerity.
The color palette is dominated by earthy browns, grays, and greens, punctuated by touches of blue in the sky and hints of gold on the dome. This restrained use of color reinforces the somber mood and emphasizes the figures’ connection to the earth and their labor. The lighting appears diffused, lacking strong contrasts, which further contributes to a sense of quiet observation rather than dramatic action.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of economic hardship and social hierarchy. The mens focused attention on the notice suggests a dependence on external factors for their livelihood – perhaps seeking work or understanding market conditions. Their working-class attire contrasts with the grandeur of the building in the background, implying a disparity between laboring classes and those who hold power or wealth. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity amidst challenging circumstances, capturing a moment of everyday life within a larger social context.