The Zemstvo Dines

The Zemstvo Dinner, painted between 1871 and 1872, is considered to be Grigory Myasoyedov’s most important masterpiece, as well as one of the most significant examples of Russian realist painting. This painting serves as a social critique of the disillusionment brought about by the post-emancipation reforms of 19th-century Russia. More specifically, it focuses on the "Zemstvo," a system of elective regional councils that were established in 1864, which were supposed to allow for the political representation of all social classes, including ordinary peasants. In the painting, a group of peasant council members are taking a break outside in the sun to eat a lunch that is extremely modest. Their lunch consists of only the most basic items—baker, onion, and salt. They are seen sitting or leaning against the stone walls of the council house, appearing tired and frustrated. The painting is effective in relying on what is implied about the peasants rather than explicitly showing them. Above the group of peasants are a pair of open windows, and one of the windows has a butler cleaning up fine china. Thus, the butler's presence at the window visually contrasts the wealth enjoyed by the noble members of the council at the expense of the impoverished members of the council. This contrast demonstrates how Myasoyedov attempted to expose the vast difference between the lifestyle of the members of the council.