Vylazka iz Sevastopolia Russian folk splints

The drawing presents a chaotic scene of retreat and disarray. A mass of figures, predominantly soldiers, surge forward across a landscape rendered in stark monochrome. The composition is dense, with bodies overlapping and intermingling, creating a sense of overwhelming pressure and urgency.
Here we see a group of men scrambling over rubble and debris, their postures conveying exhaustion and desperation. Several individuals are depicted carrying what appear to be salvaged items – bundles, sacks, or perhaps personal belongings – suggesting an abrupt departure from a previously established position. The artist has emphasized the physicality of the movement; limbs are outstretched, bodies lean forward, and faces are contorted with exertion.
The presence of weaponry – bayonets, swords, and what appear to be artillery pieces – indicates a military context, but these instruments seem less symbols of power and more burdens carried by those in retreat. The figures’ uniforms suggest a formal military structure, yet the overall impression is one of breakdown and disorder.
A central figure, distinguished by his elevated position and commanding gesture with a raised hand, appears to be attempting to rally or direct the flow of retreating soldiers. However, even this figure seems overwhelmed by the scale of the chaos unfolding around him. The artist has used strong contrasts in light and shadow to highlight key figures and create depth within the composition.
The drawing’s subtexts likely revolve around themes of defeat, loss, and the human cost of conflict. It avoids glorifying military action, instead focusing on the vulnerability and disorientation experienced by those forced into retreat. The scene conveys a sense of societal upheaval and the fragility of established order. The inclusion of everyday objects amidst the military paraphernalia underscores the personal impact of large-scale events.