Artwork

Halt for prisoners

Halt for prisoners, by Valery Jacobi, oil, 1861
Halt for prisoners, by Valery Jacobi, oil, 1861

Halt for prisoners is an oil painting by the Realist artist Valery Jacobi. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Halt for Prisoners is an 1861 oil-on-canvas painting by Russian Realist artist Valery Jacobi. The work captures a somber moment of rest among prisoners, characteristic of the Realist focus on unvarnished contemporary life.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a distressing scene of prisoners gathered around a cart, overseen by a figure in military uniform. The group’s evident suffering and the chaotic background crowd convey a mood of profound sadness and despair, highlighting the hardships of imprisonment.

Technique & Style

Jacobi employs chiaroscuro to create depth and contrast, directing the viewer’s attention to the central figures. This technique, alongside the overall composition, aligns with Realist principles of emphasizing reality over idealization.

History & Provenance

Created in 1861, Halt for Prisoners is part of the Tretyakov Gallery’s collection, reflecting its significance within Russian Realist art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Valery Jacobi

Artist

Valery Jacobi

Valery Ivanovich Jacobi (Russian: Вале́рий Ива́нович Яко́би, romanized: Valery Ivanovich Yakobi; 15 May 1834 – 13 May 1902) was a Russian painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.