Art by Anton Chekhov (1903)

Name: Art
Author: Anton Chekhov

The story revolves around a young artist who returns to his hometown after years abroad and becomes infatuated with a local woman. He sees her as the embodiment of beauty and purity, but she is actually a prostitute. The artist's perception of reality is distorted by his own desires and artistic ideals.

By Anton Chekhov · First published 1903 · Genre: Drama, Realism, Social Commentary · 2,618 words

First lines

A gloomy winter morning.

On the smooth and glittering surface of the river Bystryanka, sprinkled here and there with snow, stand two peasants, scrubby little Seryozhka and the church beadle, Matvey. Seryozhka, a short-legged, ragged, mangy-looking fellow of thirty, stares angrily at the ice. Tufts of wool hang from his shaggy sheepskin like a mangy dog. In his hands he holds a compass made of two pointed sticks. Matvey, a fine-looking old man in a new sheepskin and high felt boots, looks with mild blue eyes upwards where on the high sloping bank a village nestles picturesquely. In his hands there is a heavy crowbar.

What this Textopian page supports

Art is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anton Chekhov, dated 1903 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Anton Chekhov
Date: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Realism, Social Commentary, Character Study, Tragedy
Length: 2,618 words
Structure: 1 section, 41 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Art by Anton Chekhov
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Art?
How does this short story by Anton Chekhov fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Drama first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The work focuses on character interactions and conflicts, showcasing the struggles and dynamics between the two main characters.
Realism — The portrayal of everyday life and the depiction of ordinary characters in a specific social context reflect realistic themes.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques social hierarchies and the nature of artistic talent within a community.
Character Study — The detailed exploration of the characters' personalities and motivations drives the narrative.