Flood in St. Petersburg on Nov. 7, 1824 1824. B., sepia, wc. , Brush, pen. 28, 4h20, 6. GTG Orest Adamovich Kiprensky (1782-1836)

The drawing presents a scene of considerable distress and upheaval. Here we observe a group of figures struggling within what appears to be rapidly rising water. The composition is dominated by a cluster of individuals huddled together in the foreground; a woman, partially submerged, cradles a child while being supported or comforted by another figure whose face is obscured. A third person, likely an older man, stands nearby, his posture suggesting concern and perhaps helplessness.
The artist employed a dynamic use of line to convey movement and chaos. The water itself is suggested through agitated brushstrokes and swirling lines that create a sense of relentless force. The figures are rendered with varying degrees of detail; some faces are clearly defined, while others are sketched more broadly, contributing to the overall impression of urgency and immediacy.
Behind this immediate group, architectural elements rise from the floodwaters – classical columns and arched doorways suggest an urban setting, though their grandeur is diminished by the encroaching water. These structures serve as a backdrop, emphasizing the scale of the disaster and hinting at the disruption of established order. The perspective is somewhat skewed, further enhancing the feeling of instability.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette reinforces its somber mood. The use of sepia tones lends an air of antiquity and solemnity to the scene. Its possible that the artist intended to document a specific event, capturing not only the physical devastation but also the emotional toll on those affected. The composition suggests themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity. There is a palpable sense of shared suffering and an implicit plea for compassion or assistance.