Lezginka. 1864-1867 Vasily Vereshchagin (1842-1904)

The drawing presents a group of individuals gathered in what appears to be a rural setting. The scene is rendered in monochrome, utilizing extensive cross-hatching to create tonal variation and depth. A low stone wall dominates the left side of the composition, partially obscuring figures behind it. Beyond this barrier, several men are visible, some engaged in an animated dance or performance – their postures suggest movement and energy.
A cluster of buildings forms a backdrop to the group; these structures appear rudimentary, constructed from wood and possibly stone, indicative of a modest lifestyle. The landscape extends into the distance, with rolling hills and sparse vegetation suggesting a mountainous region. A large earthenware pot sits prominently in the foreground, adding an element of domesticity or ritual significance to the scene.
The individuals depicted are dressed in distinctive attire – turbans, vests, and layered garments – suggesting a specific cultural identity. Their expressions range from intense concentration during the performance to relaxed observation. The presence of children within the group implies intergenerational participation and the transmission of traditions.
Subtly, the drawing conveys an impression of a community bound by shared customs and a connection to their environment. The artist’s choice to depict this gathering in such detail suggests an interest in documenting cultural practices or portraying a particular ethnic group. The compositions emphasis on traditional dress and performance hints at themes of identity, heritage, and perhaps even resistance – a preservation of custom within a potentially changing social context. The overall effect is one of ethnographic observation, capturing a moment of communal life with a degree of reverence.