Paintings with a story always attract attention with their unusual plot. An example of such a work is "Demyanova Uha" by Adrian Markovich Volkov. At first glance, it is difficult to understand what is happening on the canvas: a man in a peasant's hut decisively refuses the hospitality of his welcoming hosts. The question arises: who is he and why does he so persistently avoid the feast? The answer lies in the fact that the painting is inspired by Ivan Krylov's fable "Demyanova Uha." In this story, the neighbor Foka visits Demyan on business, but the hospitable host is so eager to treat him that the guest is forced to leave. The fable mocks excessive insistence and servility.

Adrian Volkov, who loved satirical subjects with sarcasm, became interested in this fable. He prepared the painting for a competition at the Academy of Arts, but that same year, Andrey Popov also painted a work on the same theme. As a result of the rivalry, the jury awarded the gold medal to Popov, whose work was deemed more realistic. However, critics noted that Volkov's painting was livelier and funnier, conveying the absurdity of the situation and meticulously crafted, including a fluffy cat under the table that also received a treat.

In contrast to Volkov, in Popov's painting, the peasants sit peacefully at the table, while Foka politely declines another serving of soup. Although according to the fable's plot, when Foka was offered another bowl of soup, he hastily left the hospitable hosts. Despite this, Volkov's work gained popularity and brought him fame. The expression "Demyanova Uha" became a catchphrase, denoting an excessively intrusive offer. Which of the two paintings do you prefer?