It has come to pass, Sergei Lukin

ergei Lukin’s "It Has Come to Pass" (1960) is a striking example of Soviet Socialist Realism, created to commemorate the triumph of the October Revolution. The painting depicts a lone Bolshevik revolutionary standing in the Tsar’s throne room within the Winter Palace, his rifle pointed downward—a powerful symbol that the battle is over, but the weight of history and the future remains heavy on his shoulders. The throne, once the seat of imperial power, now stands empty, reduced to a mere piece of furniture, its regalia absent, underscoring the irreversible shift from monarchy to revolutionary rule. The soldier’s posture and upward gaze convey a mix of awe, contemplation, and perhaps uncertainty about what comes next, capturing the momentous yet somber mood of revolutionary victory. The composition is rich with symbolism: the grandeur of the palace contrasts with the simplicity of the soldier’s uniform, and the vast, empty space around him amplifies the sense of historical transformation and the burden of responsibility that follows such upheaval.

Lukin’s work goes beyond mere propaganda; it invites reflection on the cost of revolution and the complexities of building a new order. The painting’s emotional depth and attention to detail—from the play of light on the gilded walls to the soldier’s thoughtful expression—make it a compelling visual narrative.