The Zemstvo Dines

Zemstvos were established after the reform of 1864 to address local economic and educational affairs. Representatives of different social estates took part. Myasoedov shows a lunch break outside a district office. Peasants eat outdoors while another meal takes place inside.

A man wipes dishes in the open window. Bottles and plates show that a meal has taken place indoors too. Participants in the same meeting spend their break in different conditions.

The sign above the entrance names the district zemstvo office. It explains why the peasants have gathered here and connects the scene to local government reform.

A man in a red shirt lies facing away beside the wall. His extended figure occupies more space than the seated people, interrupting their row.

A peasant holds a bunch of green onions. Bread, onions and salt make up a simple meal taken without a table.

Another man looks at the bread in his hands. The painter closely observes the small actions that make up the lunch break.

Chickens walk on the ground in front of the peasants. Nothing separates their meal from the street; they sit beside the entrance to a public building.

The painting appeared at the second Wanderers’ exhibition in 1872. Contemporaries debated its social meaning. Myasoedov gave that debate a concrete basis: representatives of the same institution taking their break in different conditions.