The word "master" has several meanings. After the October Revolution of 1917, they began to call the lazy, idle person who shies away from work. But before this word had a different meaning. His predecessor is a "boyar", that is, a representative of the most noble and influential circles of society. And what did the gentleman look like then?
The appearance of the master
After, as a result of the reforms of Peter I, the boyars left the political scene in Russia, the address "master" arose. People from the lower classes (serfs, workers, soldiers) called this a landowner or an official.
In the old days, the difference between the estates was very significant and was demonstrated in every possible way. Therefore, representatives of the noble classes tried to differ from the "lower people" by their behavior, appearance, clothing. If the peasants (both serfs and free), workers, burghers wore traditional national clothes, the master was certainly dressed according to European fashion. He strictly monitored the condition of his hands, since their appearance should immediately indicate that this person was not engaged in physical labor.
The rules of noble honor (and practically all landowners and officials belonged to the nobility) strictly demanded that marriages be concluded between “equals”. And since most of the nobles in small towns and in rural areas were related to each other, as a result of such kindred marriages, children with characteristic genetic characteristics were often born. This has continued from generation to generation. Therefore, the face of the master was different from the face of a common man. As a rule, he had pale skin, thin lips, an elongated and pointed nose, and a narrow chin. The nobility was very proud of such an external difference from the "vile people", unaware of its genetic causes (since they did not know anything about genetics then).
How the artists portrayed the master
Until now, many noble portraits have come down, as well as paintings on everyday topics, which depict a gentleman - alone or with a family. They were written by both serf artists and renowned painters who taught at the Academy of Arts. In most cases, the master is depicted on these canvases as an idle, unoccupied person who fully enjoys peace against the background of his house, orchard, gazebo by the pond, etc. Often, painters, in order to emphasize the gentleman's idleness, depicted him in a dressing gown and slippers, with a long pipe (shank) in his hand. A favorite hunting dog could be depicted nearby, since many landowners were passionately fond of hunting.
Of course, not every gentleman led an idle lifestyle. There were many zealous and skillful landlords among the landowners, and not a single state can do without officials.
