Haulers, pulling the strap Ilya Repin (1844-1930)

The drawing presents a scene dominated by figures engaged in arduous labor. Here we observe two men, positioned centrally within the composition, seemingly straining under the weight of a heavy strap or rope that passes over their shoulders. Their postures are markedly stooped, conveying exhaustion and physical distress. The artist has rendered them with an emphasis on anatomical detail, highlighting the gauntness of their faces and the pronounced musculature developed through relentless toil. A palpable sense of suffering emanates from their expressions; the eyes appear sunken and weary, while the mouths are drawn into lines that suggest pain or resignation.
The rendering style is characterized by loose, expressive linework, which contributes to a feeling of immediacy and raw emotion. The shading is uneven, further emphasizing the figures physical condition and adding depth to their forms. A sketch of a seated woman with a bird nearby appears in the upper left corner; this figure seems detached from the immediate struggle depicted below, perhaps representing a domestic sphere or a life untouched by such hardship.
In the lower portion of the drawing, a roughly sketched vessel or container is visible, its form distorted and suggestive of instability – mirroring, potentially, the precariousness of the laborers’ existence. The overall composition evokes themes of exploitation, poverty, and the dehumanizing effects of relentless labor. The contrast between the burdened men and the seemingly tranquil figure above introduces an element of social commentary, hinting at a disparity in circumstances and experiences. It is likely that the artist intended to convey not just a depiction of physical work but also a critique of the societal structures that necessitate such conditions.