Fire 

Efim Volkov painted this scene of destruction in oil, capturing the searing heat and chaos of a world consumed by fire. The dominant symbol here, of course, is fire itself, an element with a deeply ambivalent cultural history. Across civilizations, fire has signified both destruction and purification. Think of the Greek myths of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods, and the funeral pyres of ancient rituals. Here, the blaze engulfs what appears to be a manor house, casting long shadows and illuminating fleeing figures. We see a primal scene—a community in disarray, driven by fear and perhaps exhilaration. The emotional weight of this scene is undeniable. The burning structure evokes a sense of catastrophic loss, while the scattered individuals suggest a breakdown of social order. Yet, there is also a sense of purging—of an old order collapsing to make way for something new. The cyclical nature of destruction and rebirth continues to resonate, reminding us that even amidst chaos, the human spirit seeks renewal. Volkov’s painting becomes a stage for this ancient drama, inviting us to witness its eternal return.