Tea in Mytishchi, near Moscow. 1862 Fig. 31h37, 5 GTG Vasily Perov (1833-1882)

The drawing presents a scene of domesticity and social interaction set outdoors, likely in a rural or semi-rural environment near Moscow. A small table serves as the focal point, laden with a samovar – a traditional Russian tea urn – and cups. Around this central element are arranged several figures, each contributing to the narrative unfolding within the composition.
A man, dressed in what appears to be military attire and exhibiting signs of weariness or age, stands facing a woman who is pouring tea from the samovar. His posture suggests fatigue, perhaps indicating a traveler or someone accustomed to hardship. The woman’s expression is difficult to discern precisely but seems attentive and hospitable. A young boy, positioned between them, gazes intently at the man, his body angled slightly towards him, suggesting curiosity or deference.
To the left of the group sits an older individual, clad in a dark robe and wearing a traditional Russian hat. This figure appears detached from the immediate interaction, smoking a pipe and seemingly lost in thought. The presence of this person introduces a sense of tradition and perhaps generational difference within the scene. A servant or attendant stands further back, partially obscured by foliage, carrying what looks like provisions on their head – a detail that reinforces the setting as one of modest means but also communal support.
The artist employed a technique emphasizing tonal variation through hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and texture. The shading is particularly effective in defining the folds of clothing and suggesting the play of light across surfaces. The tree branches overhead, rendered with delicate detail, frame the scene and contribute to an atmosphere of tranquility.
Subtly embedded within this seemingly simple depiction are layers of meaning. The encounter between the military man and the family hints at themes of social class and interaction – a transient visitor engaging with a settled community. The boy’s gaze suggests a potential for connection or mentorship, while the older figures solitude might represent a contemplation of past times or a quiet acceptance of present circumstances. Overall, the drawing conveys a sense of everyday life in rural Russia, imbued with an understated dignity and a subtle exploration of human relationships.