cannon-foundry Neglinnaya River. 1918 Apollinaris M. Vasnetsov (1856-1933)

The drawing presents a scene dominated by a large, domed structure that appears to be a foundry or workshop. Smoke billows from its central opening, obscuring part of the sky and contributing to a sense of industrial activity and perhaps even pollution. The building’s architecture is somewhat stylized, with simplified forms and an emphasis on volume rather than precise detail.
Below this prominent structure lies a densely populated area, likely a riverside settlement. Several figures are visible, engaged in various activities – some appear to be working near the waters edge, others seem to be observing the foundry’s operations. Their postures suggest a mixture of labor and curiosity. The artist has rendered them with broad strokes and limited detail, emphasizing their collective presence rather than individual characteristics.
The composition is framed by a sloping bank or hillside on one side and a cluster of buildings on the other. These structures are depicted in a similarly simplified manner, contributing to an overall sense of uniformity and perhaps even anonymity within the scene. The color palette is muted, with earthy tones dominating – browns, greens, and grays – which reinforces the impression of a working-class environment.
A cannon rests prominently at the lower right corner of the drawing. Its inclusion serves as a direct reference to the foundry’s purpose: the production of weaponry. This element introduces a layer of political or historical significance, suggesting a context of conflict or military preparedness. The inscription near the top left corner further anchors the scene in a specific location and time.
The artists use of line is particularly noteworthy. Bold, expressive lines define the forms and create a sense of dynamism within the composition. There’s an intentional roughness to the execution, which lends the drawing a raw and immediate quality. The overall effect is one of documentary observation combined with a degree of artistic interpretation, conveying not just what is seen but also a feeling about the scenes significance.