Vive la France! Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The artwork presents a scene imbued with patriotic fervor and a sense of hopeful triumph. Here we observe a woman, dressed in military attire suggestive of French soldiery, striding forward with purposeful energy. She carries a young boy on her shoulders; the child is clad in a soldiers helmet and uniform, mirroring his caretaker’s role. The composition emphasizes their movement, suggesting progress and momentum toward an unspecified goal.
The woman’s posture conveys strength and determination. Her gaze is directed upward, seemingly focused on something beyond the immediate frame. This upward glance contributes to the overall feeling of aspiration and optimism. The boy, perched atop her shoulders, raises his hands in a gesture that combines celebration and perhaps even a touch of youthful exuberance.
A significant element within the scene is a spherical object suspended above them. It’s decorated with flags – one displaying the Union Jack (the flag of Great Britain), and another bearing a design reminiscent of the French tricolor. The presence of these national emblems suggests an alliance, or at least a shared purpose, between France and Great Britain. Above this sphere, the word Victoire is inscribed in capital letters, explicitly proclaiming victory.
The color palette is dominated by blues and whites, echoing the colors of the French flag. However, the inclusion of red within the flags on the sphere introduces a visual dynamism and reinforces the international nature of the depicted alliance. The artist employed a relatively simple rendering style, characteristic of propaganda or commemorative imagery intended for widespread distribution.
Subtly, the image conveys a narrative of national unity and resilience during wartime. The woman’s role as both protector and guide underscores themes of maternal strength and familial continuity amidst conflict. The inclusion of the child signifies hope for the future – a generation raised in the shadow of war but destined to inherit a victorious nation. The alliance with Great Britain, visually represented through the flags, suggests a collaborative effort towards a common objective, reinforcing the idea that France is not alone in its struggle.