Pulling a horse Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

Here we observe a drawing executed in pastel on a brown background. The composition centers around a horse harnessed to a cart or wagon, positioned slightly off-center towards the right. The animals musculature is rendered with energetic strokes, conveying a sense of exertion and strain as it pulls against an unseen force. Its head is lowered, suggesting fatigue or focused effort.
The cart itself appears rudimentary, constructed from roughly hewn wooden planks. It lacks detail, serving primarily to emphasize the labor involved in its movement. The ground beneath the horse and cart is suggested with broad, sweeping strokes of brown and ochre, indicating a field or unpaved terrain. A few sparse plants are visible near the lower edge of the composition.
Above this scene, the sky occupies a significant portion of the drawing. It’s characterized by horizontal bands of color – blues, yellows, pinks, and oranges – suggesting either sunrise or sunset. The application of pastel is particularly expressive here, with short, broken strokes creating a textured effect that evokes atmospheric conditions.
The overall impression is one of rural toil and quiet perseverance. The limited palette and simplified forms contribute to a sense of immediacy and directness. Theres an absence of human figures; the focus remains solely on the animal and its task. This lack of human presence could be interpreted as highlighting the inherent dignity and importance of labor, or perhaps suggesting a feeling of isolation within this working landscape. The drawing’s style – characterized by loose lines and vibrant color – hints at a subjective interpretation of the scene rather than a strictly realistic depiction. It is likely intended to convey an emotional response to the subject matter, emphasizing the physical demands and inherent beauty found in everyday work.