#01276 RUSSIAN LUBOK

The drawing presents a scene of apparent absurdity and social commentary. Here we observe two figures – a man and a woman – engaged in a peculiar interaction with a bull. The male figure, dressed in elaborate attire including a ruffled shirt and what appears to be a waistcoat, holds aloft a staff topped with a flag or banner. He stands somewhat apart from the central action, his posture suggesting a mixture of amusement and detached observation.
The woman, similarly adorned in fashionable clothing complete with a tricorn hat and a long, flowing gown, is positioned directly adjacent to the bull. She appears to be riding it, though her expression remains impassive, almost stoic. The bull itself dominates the composition through its size and central placement; its muscular form is rendered with considerable detail, emphasizing its power and potential danger. A small dog sits at the lower left corner of the image, seemingly oblivious to the unusual spectacle unfolding before it.
The background consists of a simplified landscape – a low horizon line punctuated by stylized trees – rendered in a manner that prioritizes clarity over realism. The entire scene is framed within a border composed of closely spaced parallel lines, which contribute to the drawing’s overall sense of formality and deliberate construction.
Beneath the image, Cyrillic text provides additional context. While a full translation isnt possible without specialized knowledge, certain phrases suggest a satirical intent. References to arrival and beauty coupled with an apparent critique of excessive display or unconventional behavior hint at a commentary on societal norms and expectations. The scene likely functions as a visual satire, employing exaggerated costumes and improbable circumstances to mock the pretensions or eccentricities of a particular social group. The bull’s presence could symbolize untamed forces or perhaps represent the absurdity of attempting to control or dominate something inherently wild.