Na dengi molodets nash lstitsia Russian folk splints

The artwork presents a domestic scene steeped in social commentary and satire. Here we observe a man, stoutly built and dressed in formal attire – a striped suit with a waistcoat – being shaved by a younger man who appears somewhat apprehensive or even reluctant. The shaver is positioned close to the seated figure, his hand poised with the razor, suggesting an awkward intimacy or perhaps a power dynamic at play.
The man being shaved sits on a cushioned chair near a small table laden with objects: a glass, a coin purse, and what seems to be playing cards. These items immediately suggest themes of wealth, leisure, and potentially gambling – elements that contribute to the overall critique of societal values. The presence of money is particularly significant, hinting at the transaction or exchange occurring within this scene.
To the left stands another man, sharply dressed in a tailored suit and top hat. He appears to be observing the interaction with an air of detached amusement or perhaps even disapproval. His posture and attire mark him as belonging to a higher social stratum, further emphasizing the class distinctions at play.
The background reveals a glimpse into a well-appointed interior – a doorway leading to another room, suggesting domestic comfort and stability. However, this sense of normalcy is undercut by the peculiar nature of the central action: a man being shaved by a subordinate figure, seemingly against his will or with considerable discomfort.
Subtly, the composition conveys a critique of societal expectations surrounding masculinity, class, and economic dependence. The act of shaving, traditionally associated with grooming and presentation, becomes symbolic of control and subjugation. The scene implies that even within the confines of domesticity, power imbalances and exploitative relationships can exist, masked by appearances of respectability and comfort. The inclusion of money underscores the transactional nature of these relationships, suggesting that even personal interactions are often mediated by economic considerations. The overall effect is one of ironic observation, exposing the hypocrisy and underlying tensions within a seemingly conventional social setting.