The painting, "Reading of the 1861 Manifesto" is an immortalization of the moment of the liberation of the Serfs or the peasant class from their landlords. This was the first time a government had made any attempt to free the serfs from their bonded labour. As a centuries long tradition, serfdom was complex and the landlords or the pomeschiki were greatly disturbed by this manifesto. Many scholars predicted a "peasant revolution" that was wildly off scale in reality and any uprising of the serfs were patiently quelled by the Emperor's army that was sent pre-emptively to each village. Land was distributed among the peasants and while people did revolt, the reaction was an inevitable one which was later subdued by the Emperor's appointed officials who were mindful to stop the riots without any bloodshed.
The one reading the manifesto is almost hidden from view by the crowd of shocked peasant men exchanging glances and expressing surprise. The reader is a child in a red sweater, standing out among the drab and worn clothes of the serfs. There is an older woman next to him, perhaps an older sibling or parent assisting him. She is the only woman in focus as the other children in the barn are just out of focus and it is not clear what gender they are. The manifesto is shown as a book perhaps having several specific laws based on the complex rules of each specific serfdom. The light shining through the entrance of the barn bathes it in yellow light, symbolizing the dawning of hope in the serfs' hearts. It is also important to note that the children are the ones reading the manifesto aloud, guiding them towards progress with kindness. It is clear that the child is well off from his vibrant red sweater, clean face and hair while the other children are also listening in. It is unclear if they are the children of the peasants or merely their friends. However, he chooses to be a friend to the serfs who were not able to access the education that he is being given and both the children read aloud, reminding us that one of the purposes of education is to lead the way for those who have not been given access to it.
The painting depicts a quiet, intense moment when peasants gather to hear the reading of the Emancipation Manifesto of February 19, 1861, through which Tsar Alexander II abolished serfdom in Russia. Instead of portraying a grand imperial hall, Myasoyedov sets the scene inside a humble, dimly lit peasant dwelling.
