Reading a book 1915

Nikolay Bogdanov-Belsky painted these girls reading sometime in the late 19th to early 20th century. In the painting, we see four young girls gathered around a book, their faces illuminated by the soft light. What strikes me most is how this image captures a moment of collective engagement, yet each girl seems to be experiencing the story in her own way. Bogdanov-Belsky often depicted peasant children in his work, reflecting a broader interest in rural life and education. His own experiences as the son of a farmhand likely informed his compassionate portrayals of these children. The girls' clothing and hairstyles also give us a sense of their social status and cultural background, suggesting a life rooted in tradition and community. The act of reading itself becomes a symbol of empowerment, offering these young girls a window into new worlds. Reading, itself, opens up possibilities and perhaps this is what Bogdanov-Belsky wishes us to see.