Maiden thawing. Sketch. Ink, pen, black. C. 21. 2h33 TG Vasily Perov (1833-1882)

The drawing presents a scene steeped in folklore and melancholy. Here we observe two figures, clad in dark, heavy garments, standing before what appears to be a spectral presence emerging from or associated with a weathered well structure. The central figure, bathed in an ethereal white light, lacks distinct features; it is more of a form than a person, suggesting a spirit or apparition.
The composition is dominated by the stark contrast between the cold, muted tones of the winter landscape and the luminous quality of the spectral figure. Snow covers the ground, punctuated by scattered debris – a bucket, a hat, and what seems to be discarded tools – contributing to an atmosphere of abandonment and decay. The background reveals a distant village, rendered in soft focus, further emphasizing the isolation of the foreground event.
The two men are positioned as observers, their postures conveying a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. One raises his hand towards his face, perhaps shielding his eyes from the light or expressing surprise; the other leans forward, intently studying the apparition. Their clothing suggests rural laborers, grounding the supernatural encounter within a specific social context.
The well itself is not merely a prop but seems integral to the narrative. Its dilapidated state and proximity to the spectral figure imply a connection between the physical world and the realm of spirits – a common motif in folk tales. The presence of birds scattered near the base of the structure adds another layer, potentially symbolizing freedom or an escape from earthly constraints.
Subtexts within the drawing hint at themes of loss, memory, and the enduring power of folklore. The spectral figure could represent a departed soul returning to haunt its past, while the men’s reaction suggests a community grappling with grief or facing the consequences of forgotten traditions. The overall effect is one of quiet dread and an unsettling sense that the veil between worlds has momentarily thinned.