Sunday Alexey Korzukhin (1835-1894)

The canvas presents a scene of rural leisure, depicting a group gathered in a verdant landscape on what appears to be a Sunday afternoon. A large, mature tree dominates the composition, its branches providing shade and framing the central action. The background reveals a distant river or lake, partially obscured by foliage, suggesting an expansive natural setting.
The figures are arranged in two distinct groupings. In the foreground, several individuals are seated on the grass, engaged in what seems to be a picnic. A fire burns between them, emitting smoke that rises into the air. The clothing of these people suggests a working-class background – simple dresses and vests prevail. One woman is shown with her hands raised towards the sky, perhaps in a gesture of joy or supplication. Another figure appears to be offering bread from a basket.
Behind this group, closer to the tree’s trunk, stands another cluster of individuals. A woman in a vibrant red dress holds an infant, while a man, presumably the father, gestures animatedly towards her. He is dressed in white shirt and vest, suggesting a slightly elevated social standing compared to those in the foreground. Another woman, clad in dark attire, appears to be dancing or performing some kind of ritualistic movement, her arms raised in a similar fashion to the woman in the foreground.
The lighting is soft and diffused, contributing to an overall atmosphere of tranquility and contentment. The artist has employed a realistic style, with careful attention paid to details such as the texture of the grass, the folds of the clothing, and the expressions on the faces of the figures.
Subtleties within the scene hint at deeper meanings. The contrast between the two groups – the relaxed picnic-goers and the more formal gathering around the tree – might suggest a social hierarchy or differing levels of comfort with public display. The woman’s gesture towards the sky, repeated by another figure in the foreground, could be interpreted as an expression of faith or gratitude for natures bounty. The dancing figure introduces an element of theatricality and perhaps even folklore, suggesting a connection to traditional customs and beliefs. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of communal harmony and celebration within a rural setting, while also subtly alluding to social dynamics and cultural practices.