Vylazka iz Sevastopolia Russian folk splints

The lithograph presents a chaotic scene of military activity, likely depicting a retreat or evacuation. Here we observe a mass of figures in uniform scrambling across a landscape dominated by a reddish-purple hue. The composition is densely populated; soldiers are shown struggling through mud and debris, some mounted on horses while others advance on foot.
The artist has employed a somewhat flattened perspective, which contributes to the sense of urgency and compression within the frame. Figures overlap significantly, creating visual clutter that reinforces the feeling of disarray. A distinct lack of individualization is apparent; faces are largely obscured or absent, reducing the figures to anonymous participants in a larger event.
The color palette is striking. The prevalence of red-purple tones lends an ominous quality to the scene, potentially symbolizing bloodshed or destruction. Contrasting with this are the lighter colors of the uniforms and horses, which draw attention to specific elements within the throng. A band of blue appears on some figures’ attire, possibly indicating a particular rank or unit.
The arrangement of the figures suggests a movement from left to right across the image plane. The diagonal lines created by the horses postures and the soldiers forward lean contribute to this sense of directionality. Several individuals are depicted wielding weapons – swords, sabers, and what appear to be pickaxes – suggesting an ongoing conflict or a desperate struggle for survival.
Subtly, the work conveys more than just a depiction of military action. The mud-soaked ground and the expressions of exertion on the visible faces imply hardship and suffering. The sheer number of individuals suggests a large-scale operation, possibly one fraught with peril. The overall impression is not one of triumphant victory but rather of a desperate exodus under duress.
The presence of Cyrillic text at the bottom indicates that this work originated from a Russian context, likely intended for a domestic audience. The text itself appears to provide details about the event depicted and its publication date.