In the pawnshop. H. 1867, m. 43, 2h37, 6 GTG Vasily Perov (1833-1882)

The drawing presents a scene within what appears to be a pawnshop. A young woman occupies the foreground, seated on a simple wooden chair. Her posture conveys a sense of resignation and quiet desperation; her gaze is directed downwards, avoiding direct contact with the figure facing her. She wears a modest dress and a bonnet tied with a ribbon, suggesting a background of relative respectability now compromised by circumstance. A small object rests in her lap, presumably an item she intends to pawn.
Facing her is another individual, likely the pawnbroker or shop owner. This person is positioned at an angle, obscuring much of their face and emphasizing their role as an intermediary rather than a participant in the woman’s distress. The figures heavy shawl adds to the impression of solidity and perhaps even authority, contrasting with the fragility suggested by the young woman.
The setting itself contributes significantly to the overall mood. A notice board is visible on the wall behind them, displaying prices and terms – a stark reminder of the transactional nature of their interaction. The window to the right allows light to enter, but it also reveals a glimpse of the exterior world, hinting at the life that lies beyond this confined space. A small queue of people can be seen waiting in the background, reinforcing the sense of a place where hardship and necessity converge.
The artist’s use of line is particularly noteworthy. The hatching technique creates tonal variations, emphasizing the textures of the clothing and adding depth to the scene. The lines are generally tight and controlled, contributing to a feeling of restraint and solemnity.
Subtly, the drawing explores themes of poverty, social vulnerability, and the degradation of dignity. It is not merely a depiction of an economic transaction; it’s a visual commentary on the circumstances that drive individuals to such exchanges, and the quiet shame associated with them. The anonymity afforded to both figures – the womans averted gaze and the pawnbrokers obscured face – suggests a broader societal issue rather than a specific personal narrative.