Peter I drags ships from Onega Bay in Lake Onega in 1702 Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)

The composition presents a scene of considerable exertion and collective effort. A large vessel is being moved across a body of water, seemingly overland. The artist has chosen a monochrome palette, lending a starkness and gravity to the proceedings. Light originates from an unseen source on the left, illuminating portions of the ships hull and the figures involved in its relocation.
A substantial group of individuals are engaged in this task; they appear to be pulling ropes attached to the vessel. Their postures convey strain and determination. The artist has rendered them with a degree of realism, emphasizing their physical labor through detailed depictions of musculature and sweat. A sense of hierarchy is suggested by the presence of several figures on horseback observing the operation – they are positioned slightly apart from the laborers, suggesting authority or oversight.
The landscape itself contributes to the overall narrative. Dense woodland flanks both sides of the waterway, creating a feeling of isolation and emphasizing the remoteness of the location. The water’s surface is rendered with choppy brushstrokes, hinting at the difficulty of the terrain. A small boat floats on the water, occupied by individuals who appear to be either directing or observing the operation from a distance.
Beyond the literal depiction of an engineering feat, the work seems to explore themes of ambition and national development. The sheer scale of the undertaking – moving a ship overland – implies a desire for progress and expansion. The collective effort underscores the importance of communal labor in achieving such goals. There is also a subtle commentary on power dynamics; the figures on horseback represent those who direct and command, while the laborers execute their will. The scene conveys a sense of overcoming obstacles through sheer force and ingenuity, suggesting a narrative of transformation and modernization.