Mercahnt's Wife with Purchases 1923

Boris Kustodiev made this drawing of a merchant's wife, and all her purchases, with ink on paper. It's the kind of sketch that makes you feel like you're rummaging through someone else's attic. The lines are so spidery, like they’re trying to escape the page. See how he uses hatching to create this sense of depth. It’s not just a picture; it's like a whole world unfolding in front of you. Look at the rooftops, then the shop sign, and then the clouds – they all seem to wobble. The drawing seems to suggest the artist is constantly adjusting his own position. And that chicken by the gate! It’s like Kustodiev couldn’t resist adding a little touch of humor. You can see how this drawing relates to Kustodiev's wider work, which is all about trying to capture the soul of Russian life. Think of it as an ongoing conversation, where different artists keep adding their voices to the mix.