Fire in the village. Scene at the ferry (Fire on the Volga) Leonid Solomatkin (1837-1883)

The composition presents a scene dominated by a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, centered around a devastating fire engulfing a riverside settlement. A broad expanse of water occupies much of the foreground, reflecting the intense orange glow emanating from the burning village on the opposite bank. The river’s surface is disturbed, suggesting movement – perhaps boats attempting to escape or fight the blaze.
Here we see three figures clustered near a wooden pier in the lower left corner. Their posture and attire suggest they are common folk, likely witnesses to the unfolding tragedy. They appear to be observing the scene with a mixture of apprehension and helplessness; their bodies angled towards the fire convey a sense of shared distress. The artist has rendered them in muted tones, contrasting sharply with the vibrant hues of the flames.
The fire itself is depicted as an overwhelming force, consuming structures and casting an eerie light across the landscape. A plume of smoke rises dramatically into the sky, obscuring much of the horizon and contributing to a feeling of claustrophobia and impending doom. The artist used thick brushstrokes to convey the chaotic nature of the blaze, emphasizing its destructive power.
To the right of the figures, on slightly higher ground, are remnants of what appears to be a hastily abandoned encampment – carts, rudimentary shelters, and scattered belongings. A red flag is planted nearby, possibly indicating some form of authority or marking a boundary. The presence of these objects underscores the abruptness of the disaster and the disruption it has caused to everyday life.
The sky above is heavy with dark clouds, punctuated by a single visible moon. This celestial element introduces an unsettling contrast – a sense of cosmic indifference to the human suffering below. The overall effect is one of profound loss and devastation, evoking themes of societal upheaval, vulnerability in the face of natural disaster, and the fragility of human existence. The painting’s palette leans heavily on earth tones and fiery oranges, further amplifying the emotional impact of the scene.