Fishing by the river Nikolai Petrovich Bogdanov-Belsky (1868-1945)

The canvas presents a tranquil scene centered around a small wooden pier extending into a body of water. Three figures – two young women and a boy – occupy the pier, their postures suggesting quiet contemplation or shared observation. The boy stands at the far end, his gaze directed towards the water’s surface; he appears to be holding something in his hand, possibly fishing equipment. The two girls are positioned closer to the viewer, leaning on the railing of the pier and engaged in what seems like a private conversation. Their attire – simple dresses and headscarves for the women, a loose shirt and trousers for the boy – indicates a rural or working-class background.
The water dominates much of the composition. The artist has rendered it with an energetic brushstroke, creating a shimmering effect that captures the play of light on the surface. Blues, greens, and touches of yellow are blended to suggest both depth and movement. Reflections of the pier and figures are visible beneath the water’s surface, adding another layer of visual complexity and reinforcing the sense of stillness. The surrounding landscape is less detailed but still discernible: a bank densely populated with foliage rises in the background, hinting at an expansive natural setting.
Beyond the immediate depiction of leisure and companionship, the painting evokes a feeling of nostalgia or longing for a simpler way of life. The subdued color palette and gentle lighting contribute to this atmosphere. Theres a sense of timelessness; the scene could be set in any era where rural existence remained commonplace. The figures’ quietude suggests an introspective mood, perhaps reflecting on the passage of time or the enduring connection between humanity and nature.
The composition itself is carefully balanced. The horizontal line of the pier anchors the image, while the verticality of the figures provides a counterpoint. The placement of the boy at one end and the girls at the other creates a visual rhythm that draws the viewer’s eye across the canvas. Overall, the work conveys a sense of peacefulness and understated beauty, inviting contemplation on themes of community, nature, and memory.