The end of Fidelka Pavel Fedotov (1815-1852)

Here we observe a domestic interior consumed by distress and grief. The scene unfolds within what appears to be a modestly furnished room, illuminated by candlelight and a hanging lamp that casts long shadows, contributing to the overall somber atmosphere. A central table dominates the composition, around which several figures are clustered in postures of anguish.
A young girl lies on the table, presumably ill or deceased, drawing the immediate attention of the surrounding individuals. The woman seated beside her is visibly distraught, her mouth open in a silent cry, hands raised as if pleading or lamenting. A man, likely the father, stands at the head of the table, his face etched with sorrow and exhaustion; he leans heavily on a crutch, suggesting physical frailty or recent injury.
Further figures populate the room: a young boy gazes down at the girl with an expression of bewildered sadness, while another woman appears to be attempting to comfort him. A man in military attire stands near a doorway, his posture stiff and formal, seemingly observing the scene from a distance – a detached witness to the familys suffering.
The artist has paid careful attention to detail; scattered toys lie on the floor, hinting at the disrupted innocence of childhood. The presence of medical instruments on a nearby table suggests an attempt at healing that ultimately failed. A dog sits near the foot of the table, its posture mirroring the overall sense of dejection and loss.
Subtleties within the composition suggest deeper layers of meaning. The military man’s position could be interpreted as representing societal or political forces intruding upon the domestic sphere. His formal attire contrasts sharply with the raw emotion displayed by the family members, perhaps alluding to a disconnect between officialdom and personal tragedy. The crutch held by the father might symbolize not only physical weakness but also a broader sense of vulnerability in the face of adversity.
The overall effect is one of profound sadness and resignation, capturing a moment of intense emotional turmoil within a seemingly ordinary household. The scene evokes themes of mortality, loss, familial duty, and the fragility of human existence.