Gogol wird von den Gestalten seiner Werke zu Grabe getragen. 1873 Fig. 29, 2h50, 7 TG Vasily Perov (1833-1882)

The drawing presents a densely populated scene unfolding within what appears to be a public space, possibly a square or plaza framed by architectural elements. A central procession dominates the composition; figures bearing a shrouded form move towards the viewers left. The arrangement suggests a funeral cortege, though the identity of the deceased remains obscured beneath the dark fabric.
The crowd surrounding the procession is diverse in appearance and demeanor. Some individuals display expressions of solemnity or grief, while others seem detached or even curious. A palpable sense of social stratification emerges from the varying attire and postures of those present. Those closest to the shrouded form are dressed more formally, suggesting a higher social standing, whereas figures further back exhibit less refined clothing and appear more casually assembled.
Architectural elements contribute significantly to the scenes atmosphere. The buildings flanking the plaza are rendered with a degree of detail that implies importance or civic significance. Their presence establishes a sense of permanence and institutional weight, contrasting with the transient nature of the procession itself. A prominent flagpole on the right side of the composition draws the eye upward, adding verticality to the scene and potentially symbolizing national identity or authority.
The artist’s use of light and shadow creates depth and emphasizes certain aspects of the drawing. The figures in the foreground are more sharply defined, while those further away recede into a hazy background. This technique directs the viewers attention towards the central procession and its immediate surroundings.
Subtleties within the depiction hint at deeper meanings. The shrouded form’s anonymity invites speculation about the individual being mourned – is it a celebrated figure or someone of lesser renown? The varied reactions of the crowd suggest a complex relationship between the deceased and society, encompassing both reverence and indifference. The architectural setting implies that this event holds significance beyond personal grief; it is a public display of mourning with potential political or cultural implications. Ultimately, the drawing captures a moment of collective remembrance, laden with social commentary and symbolic weight.