Executed Pugachev. Fig. pencil and pen. 1878 TG Vasily Perov (1833-1882)

The drawing presents a scene of mass execution, rendered in pencil and pen with a starkness that emphasizes its brutal subject matter. A large boat dominates the foreground, filled with figures seemingly involved in the event. These individuals are depicted with varying degrees of detail; some appear as uniformed soldiers or officials, while others are less distinct, suggesting a broader participation in the proceedings. Their postures convey a mixture of solemnity and detachment, hinting at an acceptance of this act as a necessary formality.
Suspended from a prominent wooden structure – likely a makeshift gallows – are several bodies, their forms hanging limply against the overcast sky. The artist’s use of line work creates a sense of weightlessness and vulnerability in these figures, contrasting sharply with the grounded presence of those on the boat. A cluster of birds flies overhead, adding to the atmosphere of desolation and perhaps symbolizing freedom lost.
The background reveals a cityscape receding into the distance, partially obscured by atmospheric haze. This suggests a broader societal context for the event, implying that it is not an isolated incident but rather part of a larger narrative or power dynamic. The inclusion of what appears to be smoke rising from buildings in the distance could signify unrest or further repercussions stemming from this act.
The composition directs attention towards the central gallows and the hanging figures, while simultaneously encompassing the entire scene within a sense of oppressive scale. The artist’s choice of monochrome palette reinforces the somber mood and contributes to the overall feeling of historical gravity. Subtly, there is an absence of overt emotional expression in many of the depicted individuals; this restraint amplifies the horror of the event by suggesting a normalization or institutionalization of violence. The drawing seems less concerned with individual portraits than with conveying the collective impact of state-sanctioned punishment and its implications for society.