Under the rain in the coach on the Black River Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)

The work presents a scene of travel disrupted by inclement weather. Here we observe a carriage struggling through flooded terrain, presumably along a riverbank. The composition is dominated by the central figure of the coach and its team of horses, rendered in muted tones that emphasize the somber atmosphere.
The artist has chosen to depict a moment of transit, but one characterized by hardship. The water level obscures much of the lower portion of the horses’ legs, suggesting a significant depth and hindering their progress. Their muscular forms are visible despite the obscured detail, conveying both strength and exertion. Two figures accompany the team; one stands in the foreground, facing forward with an expression difficult to discern, while another guides the horses from the drivers seat.
Within the carriage itself, several passengers are discernible through the windows. They appear sheltered from the rain by individual umbrellas, creating a sense of separation between them and the exposed elements. The arrangement suggests a hierarchical structure; those inside the coach enjoy relative comfort while those outside endure the discomfort of the weather. A handwritten inscription is visible on the side of the carriage, adding an element of personal narrative or documentation to the scene.
The brushwork is loose and expressive, contributing to the overall feeling of immediacy and movement. The rain itself is suggested through quick, gestural strokes that blur the background and create a sense of visual turbulence. This technique reinforces the impression of a fleeting moment captured in time – a brief pause within a larger journey.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of class distinction, resilience in adversity, and the transient nature of experience. The contrast between the sheltered passengers and the exposed laborers highlights social disparities, while the horses’ struggle embodies perseverance against challenging circumstances. Ultimately, the work evokes a sense of melancholy and quiet contemplation on the realities of travel and human existence within a specific historical context.