Waiting for an Audience 1904

Vladimir Makovsky painted "Waiting for an Audience," capturing a slice of aristocratic life in Russia. Makovsky was part of a group of artists known as "The Wanderers" who aimed to depict the realities of Russian life, often focusing on social inequalities. Here, in the halls of power, we find a group of men adorned in formal attire, idling in anticipation. Their elaborate uniforms and decorations speak of status and privilege, a stark contrast to the struggles faced by many in Russia at the time. The opulence of the room, from the ornate wall hangings to the polished floors, emphasizes the divide between the elite and the common people. What does it mean to wait in a space that is supposed to be yours? It speaks to an emotional space in time that is prolonged. The image subtly critiques the rigid social hierarchy and the disconnect between those in power and the everyday realities of Russian society.