1801
oil on canvas
81.3 x 110.5

The landscape recreates the appearance of the first Russian capital at the turn of the 19th century. The magnificent monuments of medieval architecture are the principal “heroes” of the painting. A multitude of verticals – churches, belfries and towers are balanced out by the calm horizontal format of the canvas. Such a composition likens the space of the square to a grandiose theatre stage. In the centre of the Red Square is the church of St Basil’s and Lobnoe Mesto. The Kremlin wall and Spasskaya tower frame the right part of the painting. In the foreground to the left the artist has depicted the building of the Main Pharmacy, and also rows of shops. To the right of the tower, beyond the wall rise the cupolas of the (Voznesensky) Monastery of the Ascension, while to the left we see the Tsar’s Tower. The artist not only “enumerates” the many and diverse constructions of the medieval capital, but also tries to create an integrated image of the city. People filling the square and also the painstakingly drawn numerous and expressive details such as the merchant’s stalls, carriages, dray carts, horses and dogs all participate in revealing an image of the city; all bring into the painting warmth and a human dimension.

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 6