Happy return. 1827-1830 Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (1799-1852)

The drawing presents a scene brimming with celebratory energy and movement. Here we observe a group of figures engaged in what appears to be a joyous procession or homecoming. The central focus is a donkey, heavily laden and ridden by two individuals. These riders are adorned with leafy crowns, suggesting a connection to pastoral themes or perhaps a symbolic representation of victory or triumph.
The composition is dynamic; the figures are not static but caught mid-action, their bodies twisting and leaning in response to the animals gait. The artist has employed loose, expressive lines to convey this sense of motion and spontaneity. A smaller figure, positioned on the left side of the drawing, appears to be running alongside the procession, arms raised in a gesture of enthusiastic participation.
The background is minimal, consisting primarily of a warm-toned wash that allows the figures to stand out prominently. This lack of detail directs the viewer’s attention entirely towards the group and their animated interaction. The artists signature, B, appears in the lower left corner, while “Roma” and the number “19” are inscribed in the bottom right, likely indicating the location of creation and perhaps a catalogue or inventory number.
Beyond the surface depiction of revelry, subtexts relating to power, servitude, and social hierarchy emerge. The donkey, traditionally associated with humility and labor, serves as a paradoxical vehicle for those celebrating what seems like an important occasion. This juxtaposition introduces a layer of complexity; is it a genuine celebration, or does it subtly critique the dynamics between those who lead and those who are led?
The drawing’s overall tone suggests a playful engagement with classical motifs and themes, hinting at a revivalist interest in antiquity while simultaneously imbuing them with a contemporary sensibility. The rapid execution and sketch-like quality contribute to an impression of immediacy and intimacy, as if the viewer is witnessing a fleeting moment captured on paper.