“Zhnica”, Grigory Grigoryevich Mäsoedov – overview of the painting 
- Author: Grigory Grigoryevich Mäsoedov
- Museum: Tretyakov Gallery
- Year: Around 1886
Overview of the painting :
Zhnitsa – Grigory Grigoryevich Masyoedov. Oil on canvas. 35.5 x 16.7 cm
Folk legends and ceremonies, scenes of ordinary life of ordinary people, peasant everyday work – favorite topics of the work of Grigory Grigoryevich Myasoedov. However, he was pleased to paint the wonderful landscapes of his native country, and magnificent portraits, conveying the individuality and character of each person. Among the sketches he wrote for the painting “It’s a great time. Kostsy ”is this wonderful image of a young reaper.
A bright midday light filled the picture. A hot summer day, rare clouds of clouds melt in a high pale blue sky. Suffering is in full swing, you can’t lose a day, so the peasants went out to the whole world to clean bread.
Among the ripe rye is a thin girl dressed in a white simple shirt caught by a belt. The light motley scarf tied under the chin with a patterned border is low on the forehead, hiding a tender, tanned face from burning rays. But the fun sunny bunny still managed to chuckle at the very tip of the girl’s nose. The crafty dark eyes are slightly squinted, a barely noticeable shy smile plays on coral lips. A attentive, curious and a little tired look.
Thin, dark brown with tanning, strong hands skillfully and snow-likely weave straw harnesses. The sheaf will bind – and again for the sickle, reap the next.
Warm, light gamut of colors – pastel pink-cream, pearl-drain, golden-beige shades create a sense of soulfulness and human warmth. The artist transmits a play of light and shadows on his shirt with wide strokes, whose color changes from dazzling-white to red-gray. Slightly marked with the sweeping movement of the brush, caramel-yellow ripe ears, swinging on high stems.
An expressive, very gentle portrait of a living girl, written with love. We admire this little reaper, her open and gullible soul, a cheerful disposition that can work on an equal footing with adults.