Burglary on Easter night. 1861 Fig. 33h42, 5 GTG Vasily Perov (1833-1882)

The drawing presents a domestic interior disrupted by apparent chaos and distress. Here we observe a scene unfolding within what appears to be a modest living room or parlor. The composition is dominated by a sense of intrusion and vulnerability.
A man stands prominently in the foreground, his posture suggesting shock and agitation. He wears a dark suit with a lighter waistcoat, and his hands are raised slightly as if in disbelief or protest. His face registers an expression of surprise and concern, directed towards two women huddled together near a table.
The women are draped in dark clothing, their heads bowed in postures indicative of grief or despair. They cling to each other, creating a visual knot of vulnerability within the disrupted space. The table itself is cluttered with overturned objects – papers, a basket, and what seems to be scattered belongings – further emphasizing the disorder.
To the left, a cabinet stands open, its contents partially visible, suggesting that it has been rifled through. A framed portrait hangs on the wall above the cabinet, adding a layer of personal significance to the scene. The floor is strewn with discarded items, reinforcing the impression of a hasty and violent intrusion.
A figure can be seen in the doorway at the right side of the composition. This individual appears to be observing the unfolding events from a distance, their face partially obscured by a head covering. Their presence introduces an element of potential witness or involvement that remains ambiguous.
The artist’s use of light and shadow contributes significantly to the overall mood. The scene is illuminated unevenly, with areas of deep shadow contrasting sharply with patches of brighter light. This creates a dramatic effect, highlighting the emotional intensity of the moment while simultaneously obscuring certain details.
Subtleties within the drawing suggest deeper implications beyond a simple depiction of theft. The women’s distress appears to extend beyond mere material loss; it hints at a profound sense of violation and psychological trauma. The presence of the figure in the doorway introduces questions about responsibility, observation, and potential complicity. The overall composition evokes themes of vulnerability, disruption, and the fragility of domestic security – a poignant commentary on societal anxieties prevalent during the period in which the drawing was created.