Устный счет В народной школе САРачинского 1895 холст масло 107х79 см часть 2 - Russian and soviet artists Русские и советские художники

The composition presents a scene within what appears to be a rural schoolroom. A group of boys, varying in age and dress, are gathered around a central figure who is engaged in oral arithmetic calculations. The setting itself seems rudimentary; the walls are constructed from roughly hewn logs, suggesting a modest economic background for both the institution and its students. Light enters from an unseen source on the right, illuminating the scene with a somewhat uneven glow that emphasizes certain figures while leaving others partially obscured in shadow.
The central figure, presumably the teacher or instructor, is formally attired in a dark suit and tie, contrasting sharply with the simple garments of his pupils. He leans towards a boy who appears to be answering a question posed by the instructor; this boy’s mouth is open as if speaking, while others listen intently. The blackboard behind them displays a complex mathematical problem, its chalk markings visible against the dark surface.
A range of emotional and intellectual states are conveyed through the boys expressions. Some display focused concentration, their faces turned towards the teacher with an eagerness to learn. Others appear hesitant or uncertain, their postures suggesting a struggle with the material. One boy in particular stands out; positioned near the foreground, he gazes downwards with a furrowed brow, seemingly lost in thought or perhaps overwhelmed by the challenge. His bare feet and simple clothing underscore his humble origins.
A small portrait hangs on the wall to the left of the scene, its subject obscured but hinting at an idealized figure – perhaps a patron of education or a historical exemplar. A sheet of music is pinned nearby, suggesting that instruction extends beyond mathematics. The overall impression is one of earnest effort and aspiration within a context of limited resources.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of social class and access to knowledge. The contrast between the teacher’s formal attire and the boys simple clothing highlights the disparities in their backgrounds. The scene also speaks to the importance of education as a means of upward mobility for those from less privileged circumstances. The inclusion of the portrait on the wall suggests an attempt to instill values and ideals within this rural setting, while the mathematical problem itself represents the intellectual rigor expected of these young learners.