The artwork “Man and woman at the table. The man pulls on the glove” was created by Ilya Repin in 1873. As a key figure in the Realism movement, Repin used genre painting to depict scenes from everyday life with a narrative element. This particular work exemplifies Realist themes through its portrayal of societal interactions, captured with an astute attention to detail and character expression.
In the artwork, the subjects are rendered with a focus on naturalism and the subtleties of their social dynamics. Two figures, a man and a woman, are seated at a table, with the man appearing to pull on a glove, suggestive of readiness to depart or engage in an outside activity. The woman’s poised demeanor and direct gaze convey an engagement with the man’s actions, perhaps marking a significant moment between them. Their attire and the woman’s ornate hat suggest a setting of social standing or formality. To the right of the couple stands another individual, eminently more animated, with his hands expressively open and a delighted expression on his face, as if he is either greeting someone or actively participating in the unfolding scene. The background of the artwork is minimally detailed, allowing the viewer to focus on the figures and the vignette that is being portrayed.
