A boy with raised hands, which turned to the audience. Et. 1864 Fig. 30. 7h17. 8 TG Vasily Perov (1833-1882)

The drawing presents a young boy positioned centrally within the frame, his body angled slightly towards the viewer. He stands with his hands raised above his head, one holding what appears to be a cloth or towel. The posture conveys a sense of surrender or vulnerability; it is reminiscent of gestures associated with submission or supplication. His head is bowed, obscuring his facial features and contributing to an overall impression of dejection or introspection.
The artist employed a limited palette dominated by muted earth tones – ochre, grey, and brown – which lends the work a somber and melancholic atmosphere. The use of pastel allows for subtle gradations in tone, creating a sense of depth and volume within the figure. Lines are loose and expressive, suggesting a rapid execution and prioritizing emotional impact over precise anatomical rendering.
The background is notable for its simplicity: a grid pattern faintly visible beneath the wash of color. This geometric structure contrasts sharply with the organic form of the boy, emphasizing his isolation and perhaps hinting at a sense of confinement or institutionalization. The handwritten script in the lower corner adds another layer of complexity; while the language remains undecipherable without further context, its presence suggests a personal narrative or annotation connected to the subject depicted.
Subtexts within the drawing revolve around themes of power dynamics, innocence, and potential trauma. The boy’s posture implies a relationship where he is in a position of deference, possibly subjected to authority or scrutiny. His obscured face prevents direct engagement with his emotional state, inviting speculation about the circumstances that led to this pose. The overall effect is one of quiet desperation and unspoken narrative – a moment captured that speaks volumes despite its apparent simplicity.