Марфа Посадница. Уничтожение новгородского веча. 1889, холст, масло, 251х410 cм Clavdy Lebedev (1852-1916)

The canvas presents a scene of considerable upheaval and violence unfolding within what appears to be a snow-covered public square or marketplace. A large group of figures dominates the composition, their expressions and postures conveying a mixture of fear, defiance, and despair. The overall impression is one of chaos and disruption of established order.
In the foreground, several bodies lie prostrate on the ground, suggesting casualties from a recent conflict. Their faces are contorted in agony or frozen in death, adding to the palpable sense of tragedy. A woman, lying face down, draws particular attention with her exposed hair and vulnerable position. Adjacent to this group, other figures writhe in distress, their hands raised in supplication or shielding themselves from harm.
Further back, a central figure – a woman clad in elaborate red robes – stands amidst the turmoil. Her posture is assertive, almost regal, yet her expression remains ambiguous; it’s difficult to discern whether she embodies triumph or regret. She appears to be orchestrating events, though her precise role remains unclear. Around her, a throng of men, dressed in various garments ranging from simple tunics to fur-lined coats and armor, jostle for position. Some seem to be actively participating in the disturbance, while others appear bewildered or resigned.
The architecture visible in the background – a large building with distinctive rooflines – provides context, suggesting a civic structure of some importance. The snow-laden landscape reinforces the harshness of the environment and contributes to the overall somber mood. Light plays an important role; it illuminates certain figures while leaving others shrouded in shadow, further emphasizing the drama and uncertainty of the moment.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of power, rebellion, and societal collapse. The destruction of a collective body – implied by the fallen individuals and the disrupted gathering – suggests a loss of autonomy or freedom. The central female figure’s presence introduces questions about leadership, authority, and the potential for both benevolent and tyrannical rule. The artists choice to depict such a tumultuous scene in a realistic style lends weight to its narrative implications, inviting viewers to contemplate the fragility of social structures and the human cost of political upheaval. There is an underlying sense that this event marks not just a moment of violence but also a profound shift in the balance of power within the community.