Tolstoy on His Deathbed, Astapovo Station

What it is

This black-and-white photograph, by an unknown photographer, shows Tolstoy lying on a pillow surrounded by flowers, taken at Astapovo railway station on 7 November 1910, the day of his death.

Why it matters

Tolstoy's death at a remote railway station, after leaving home in his final days, became a major public event covered widely in the press. This image is one of the best-known records of his final moment, showing how his death was documented and shared with the world.

Look closer

• Why might photographers have wanted to record this scene so carefully?
• What feelings does the arrangement of flowers and light suggest to you?
• What does an image like this tell us about how famous people's deaths were publicised in this period?