Cabby and quarterly Pavel Fedotov (1815-1852)

The drawing presents a scene of apparent confrontation between two figures within what appears to be a late nineteenth or early twentieth-century urban setting. Here we see a man in military uniform standing with his hands clasped behind his back, exhibiting a posture that suggests authority and perhaps impatience. His stance is rigid, his gaze directed towards another individual positioned slightly to his left. The hat he wears, tall and cylindrical, reinforces the impression of officialdom.
The second figure, presumably a cab driver based on the presence of a horse-drawn carriage in the background, stands with one hand raised to their head, a gesture that could be interpreted as either confusion, frustration, or an attempt at placation. The posture is less assured than the military man’s; it conveys a sense of deference and perhaps resignation.
The artist has employed a limited tonal range, relying primarily on line work to define form and create depth. This stylistic choice contributes to a feeling of immediacy and sketch-like quality, as if capturing a fleeting moment in time. The background is sparsely detailed, with the carriage rendered in broad strokes, further emphasizing the interaction between the two central figures.
Subtly embedded within this seemingly straightforward depiction are layers of potential meaning. The power dynamic between the uniformed man and the cab driver hints at social hierarchies prevalent during the period. The gesture of the cab driver suggests a possible dispute or misunderstanding – perhaps concerning payment, route, or some other infraction. It is plausible that the drawing serves as a commentary on the interactions between authority figures and those who provide essential services within an urban environment.
The absence of overt narrative detail allows for multiple interpretations; the scene remains open-ended, inviting viewers to construct their own understanding of the unfolding situation. The simplicity of the composition and the expressive use of line contribute to the drawings evocative power, suggesting a broader commentary on social relations and everyday life.