What is good work? Nikolai Leskov’s Zapechatlennyi angel

Abstract

Summary In contrast to many other Russian authors of his time, Nikolai Leskov makes a point of investigating economic questions not only in his journalism articles, but also in his literary works. He focuses on social groups that earn their living through work, in particular merchants and craftsmen. Among these are bridge builders and icon painters, as in Zapechatlennyi angel. The skilled craftsmanship of the painters is especially emphasised in the angel story, which demonstrates, above all, what Leskov considers to be good work: his expectations include mastery of the material, a good cause for the work, and its use for a social collective. Adequate pay is valued, but profit is not the objective. With these demands, Leskov undermines not only the capitalist growth imperative, but also the image of a Russian tendency towards idleness. In the end we are, as in all of Leskov’s economic stories, referred to the merits of literary craftsmanship.