Innocent victims of war Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The composition presents a scene of displacement and hardship, likely rooted in wartime upheaval. A young boy strains under the weight of a large cart, its wheels dominating much of the foreground. The cart itself appears makeshift, constructed from salvaged materials – a visual cue suggesting scarcity and resourcefulness born of necessity. Seated within the cart are two older women, their faces etched with weariness and anxiety. They clutch small objects, perhaps treasured possessions or mementos of a life disrupted.
The setting is an urban environment, though details are sparse. A wall in the background is covered with notices – likely official announcements or proclamations – which remain largely illegible, contributing to a sense of impersonal bureaucracy and overwhelming information. The presence of French flags affixed to this wall suggests a specific geographical context. A small dog follows closely behind the cart, adding another layer of vulnerability and dependence to the group’s plight.
The color palette is muted, dominated by grays, browns, and pale blues, reinforcing the somber mood. However, touches of red – in the flags and a few scattered details – provide subtle visual jolts, hinting at underlying tension or potential danger. The boys posture conveys both physical exertion and an emotional burden beyond his years; he appears stoic yet vulnerable.
Subtly, the image explores themes of loss, resilience, and the human cost of conflict. It is not a depiction of overt violence but rather focuses on the quiet devastation experienced by civilians forced to abandon their homes. The cart functions as a potent symbol – a mobile refuge carrying remnants of a shattered past toward an uncertain future. The artist’s choice to portray ordinary individuals in this situation underscores the universality of suffering and displacement, suggesting that wars impact extends far beyond battlefields.