Ivan Pavlovich Pokhitonov

Horses were among the artist’s favourite subject and several of his later works include equine themes, including Winter (1900s, The State Tretyakov Gallery) and Review of the French Cavalry (1879, The State Russian Museum). This work is unusual in that the cart horse is the focal point of the composition. The bowed figure of a peasant-woman often present in Barbizon school works, represents the relentless work of country life, a theme found frequently in Pokhitonov’s works from this period. The artist’s trademark delicate and refined brushwork depicts an exquisite and serene landscape as the backdrop.

We would like to thank Olivier Bertrand, author of the forthcoming catalogue raisonné on Ivan Pokhitonov, for providing additional catalogue information.