November 7 on the square near the Bolshoi Theater Fedor Alexeev (1753-1824)

The canvas presents a scene of considerable upheaval and disorder. A vast expanse of water dominates the foreground, obscuring much of what would normally constitute a public square. The architecture that rises from this inundation is imposing; a grand building with classical columns occupies the left side of the composition, its scale emphasized by the surrounding floodwaters. Further into the distance, other structures – likely civic or religious in nature – are visible, their domes punctuating the skyline.
The artist has populated the scene with figures struggling against the elements. Individuals are shown navigating the water in small boats and on horseback, some appearing to be attempting to salvage possessions from the submerged area. The expressions of these individuals are difficult to discern precisely, but a sense of urgency and perhaps even apprehension pervades their actions.
The sky above is turbulent, with dark clouds suggesting an ongoing or imminent storm. This atmospheric condition contributes to the overall feeling of instability and potential danger. The light itself seems diffused, lacking sharp contrasts, which further softens the edges of the scene and adds to its melancholic tone.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of a flood event, the painting appears to carry symbolic weight. The submergence of the square – a space typically associated with public life, ceremony, and order – suggests a disruption of established norms or societal structures. The grand architecture rising above the water could be interpreted as representing enduring values or institutions that persist even in times of crisis, though their future remains uncertain.
The presence of horses, traditionally symbols of power and control, struggling within the floodwaters introduces an element of vulnerability and loss of dominion. The overall effect is one of a society grappling with forces beyond its immediate control, prompting reflection on themes of resilience, fragility, and the cyclical nature of change.