Novgorod the Great is Humbled, 1471
Novgorod had grown into a major Russian city and trading power, sometimes called Lord Novgorod the Great. The Novgorod Veche, a citizen's assembly, made laws, elected officials, and could even replace the prince. Ivan III subjugated Novgorod and repeatedly purged the city of resistance to him, confiscating land and wealth and exiling or executing members of powerful Novgorodian families. The painting shows the Veche bell torn down in 1471, while Marfa, symbol of resistance to Ivan, stares out forlornly. Ivan would soon execute Marfa's son Dmitriy for treason.