Trudolubivyi medved Russian folk splints

Here we observe a folk art depiction rendered in black and white ink on paper. The central figure is a man with a full beard, seated beneath the shade of a tree. He leans against the trunk, his posture suggesting relaxation or contemplation. A bear sits beside him, seemingly at ease and sharing this moment of repose.
The composition is framed by a stylized landscape. Tall, slender trees form a dense backdrop, their repetitive forms creating a sense of enclosure. The ground beneath the figures is uneven, marked with vegetation and what appears to be a fallen log. A crescent moon hangs in the upper left corner, adding an element of nocturnal or dreamlike quality to the scene.
The artist’s style is characterized by simplified forms and a lack of detailed rendering. Lines are bold and expressive, conveying a sense of immediacy and directness. The figures are presented with a degree of caricature; the mans beard is particularly exaggerated, contributing to the overall folksy charm.
Beneath the image, text is printed in Cyrillic script. This suggests that the artwork functions as an illustration accompanying a narrative or didactic poem. The presence of text reinforces the idea that this isn’t merely a depiction but part of a larger cultural artifact intended for instruction or entertainment.
Subtexts within the work appear to revolve around themes of harmony, companionship, and perhaps even moral guidance. The unusual pairing of a man and a bear – typically seen as symbols of wildness and civilization respectively – suggests an acceptance of nature and a potential for peaceful coexistence. The text likely elaborates on this theme, possibly offering advice or cautionary tales related to the relationship between humans and the natural world. The overall impression is one of rural simplicity, folk wisdom, and a gentle humor characteristic of vernacular art traditions.