Siege of Pskov Polish King Stephen Bathory in 1581. Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (1799-1852)
Karl Pavlovich Bryullov – Siege of Pskov Polish King Stephen Bathory in 1581.
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Painter: Karl Pavlovich Bryullov
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Karl Bryullov began painting The Siege of Pskov after he had been appointed head of the history class, but, by the Emperor’s Art Academy, he was awarded only the 2nd degree of professorship. In order to be awarded the 1st degree or the position of senior professor, Bryullov’s task was to paint a large picture, according to the subject given by the academy. As the basis of the plot of his great canvas, the artist took the real historical events of the Livonian War.
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Description of Karl Bryullov’s painting "The Siege of Pskov".
Karl Bryullov began painting The Siege of Pskov after he had been appointed head of the history class, but, by the Emperor’s Art Academy, he was awarded only the 2nd degree of professorship. In order to be awarded the 1st degree or the position of senior professor, Bryullov’s task was to paint a large picture, according to the subject given by the academy.
As the basis of the plot of his great canvas, the artist took the real historical events of the Livonian War. When in 1581 the city of Pskov came under siege by the Polish soldiers. These bloody events took many lives, both the residents of Pskov and the attacking side.
The painting depicts the turning point of the battle, when the wall of the fortress explodes and Pskov defender Shuisky and hegumen Tikhon prevent the retreat of city soldiers from the battlefield. Above the heads of the procession of people develop images of icons, and in their hands they carry crosses and holy relics. Destruction and fierce fighting reign around them. The ground is covered with wounded and killed men and their horses. Smoke covers the blue sky, from the tower it comes in big black clubs. But, making its way through the battlefield, the procession is illuminated by bright sunlight, as a symbol that victory will be on the side of Light.
Work on this painting began in 1839. But his idea of Karl Bryullov, according to many, was not able to translate into reality. The sketch of the painting seemed to the artist expressive and exciting. As if some divine army brings salvation to people, chasing away enemies. But critics felt that the composition of the painting was wrong, with the result that not all the main action is captured within the limits of the canvas.
Because of the negative reviews and the enormous scale of the work, Bryullov finally lost interest in it. When the artist died, his painting was never completed.
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Nie widziałem tego obrazu. Znam wiele obrazów AJWAZOWSKIEGO (bo rozumiesz sam jestem żaglarzem)
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On the left side of the painting, a procession of figures in religious vestments, carrying banners with religious iconography and a large cross, moves forward. They appear to be a source of spiritual support or defense, with civilians, including women and children, amongst them. One prominent figure on horseback in dark robes raises a hand, seemingly in a gesture of leadership or blessing.
Opposing them, on the right, is a throng of warriors in armor, engaged in fierce combat with swords, axes, and spears. The scene is action-packed, with fallen soldiers and horses littering the ground, suggesting the brutality of the conflict. In the background, a stone structure, possibly a fortress or city wall, is damaged, with smoke billowing upwards, indicating the ongoing siege. The sky is overcast with dark clouds, contributing to the somber and intense mood.
The subtext of the painting revolves around themes of faith, defense, and the horrors of war. The prominent display of religious symbols and figures on the left side suggests a spiritual dimension to the conflict, perhaps portraying the defenders as righteous and divinely aided. The contrast between the religious procession and the brutal fighting on the right highlights the struggle between spiritual values and the harsh realities of armed conflict. The painting likely aims to evoke a sense of patriotism and admiration for the defenders, depicting them as stoic and courageous in the face of a brutal invasion. The overall message is a powerful testament to the sacrifices made during wartime and the enduring strength of faith.