Poor supper Vasily Maksimov (1844-1911)

In the painting Poor Supper, we see a humble peasant family gathered around a wooden table in a dimly lit, rustic interior. The room appears to be a log cabin, with rough wooden walls and a low ceiling. A strong light filters in from two windows on the left, casting shadows and illuminating the scene.
On the left, a man sits on a bench facing away from the viewer, his back slightly hunched, suggesting weariness or resignation. Beside him, a young child, likely a boy, is also seated, looking towards the table. Further back, a baby or very young child is asleep on a bed or mattress near the window.
The central focus is the table, around which the rest of the family is gathered. A woman, dressed in traditional peasant attire, stands behind the table, seemingly serving food or preparing to do so. Two children are seated at the table. One, a girl, leans her chin on her hands, her expression introspective or perhaps a little listless. Another child, a boy, sits facing her, his gaze directed towards the table. On the table itself, there is a loaf of bread and what appears to be some simple fare, reinforcing the idea of a meager meal.
The overall atmosphere is one of poverty and quiet endurance. The dark, somber tones, the sparse furnishings, and the subdued expressions of the figures all contribute to this feeling. The abundant light from the windows contrasts with the darkness of the interior, perhaps symbolizing a flicker of hope or a connection to the outside world, or simply highlighting the simplicity of their lives.
The subtexts of the painting likely revolve around themes of peasant life in Russia, social inequality, and the resilience of the family unit in the face of hardship. The title itself, Poor Supper, is a direct commentary on their economic circumstances. The painting offers a glimpse into the daily struggles of ordinary people, emphasizing their dignity and their ability to find moments of togetherness even when resources are scarce. Its a portrayal of life that is neither romanticized nor overly sentimental, but rather grounded in realism and a profound sense of empathy for its subjects.