General, requiring horses. Sketch picture scene at the post-pencil drawing. 1866 TG Vasily Perov (1833-1882)

The drawing presents a scene between two men, rendered in pencil with evident haste and a focus on capturing gesture rather than meticulous detail. Here we see a figure in military attire engaged in conversation with another man dressed in civilian clothes. The composition is straightforward: the figures are positioned facing each other, occupying most of the frame.
The individual in uniform dominates the left side of the image. He is depicted as stout and imposing, his posture suggesting an air of authority or perhaps impatience. His facial features – a prominent mustache and a somewhat exaggerated expression – contribute to this impression. The details of his military uniform are sketched with some care, including visible insignia on his chest and the distinctive cap that sits atop his head. He leans slightly forward, as if urging the other man to speak or respond.
The civilian figure stands opposite him, appearing more slender and less assertive in comparison. His posture is more relaxed, though a slight furrowing of his brow suggests he may be listening intently or perhaps feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the interaction. The artist has rendered his clothing with simpler lines, emphasizing the contrast between his attire and that of the military man.
The background is minimal, consisting primarily of sketched vertical lines which could represent architectural elements or simply serve to define the space. This lack of detail directs attention squarely onto the two figures and their interaction.
Subtleties in the drawing suggest a narrative beyond the immediate visual. The disparity in size and posture between the men hints at an imbalance of power, possibly depicting a request or demand being made by the military figure to the civilian. The civilian’s expression could be interpreted as either deference or quiet resistance. The sketchs hurried execution lends it a sense of immediacy, implying that this is a fleeting moment captured in time – perhaps a candid observation of an interaction occurring within a specific social context. It is likely intended to convey a commentary on the relationship between military authority and civilian life, though the precise nature of that commentary remains open to interpretation.