Illarion Mikhailovich Pryanishnikov was one of the founders of the Society for Traveling Art Exhibitions, an association of artists, known as the Wanderers, who rejected the traditions of academic painting. Inspired by the ideas of universal prosperity, they dreamed of art that would serve the people and promote their enlightenment and development. Their art was characterized by a social focus, raising awareness of the relevant problems, and evoking sympathy for and interest in the common people. In their works, artists realistically portrayed the fates of ordinary people.

One of the leading themes for the Wanderers was the peasant question. At the first exhibition of the association, Illarion Pryanishnikov demonstrated two paintings exploring the theme of peasant life — “Made Homeless by a Fire” and “Without a Load”, or “Men Returning from the City Empty-Handed”. At the exhibition, “Without a Load” made a particularly strong impression on the visitors.

At the request of Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov, Illarion Pryanishnikov made a copy of this work, as the first version had already been acquired for another collection. Nowadays, the earliest versions of the painting are displayed at the Kharkov Art Museum and in the State Tretyakov Gallery.

The Khimki Art Gallery houses another smaller copy of “Without a Load” made by the artist himself. The painting depicts a string of peasant carts returning to the village from the city. In the last sleigh, there is a freezing young student wearing a light coat which cannot get him warm. Next to him, there is a small bundle of books, which make up all of his luggage. Most likely, the young man’s life has not worked out in the city, and he is forced to return home. The cold winter evening, the upcoming night on the road in the absence of any villages visible nearby, and the impending snowstorm — all of this reinforces the young man’s sense of despair.