surprise. 1871 Vasily Vereshchagin (1842-1904)

Description of Vasily Vereshchagin’s painting "Attacking by surprise"

The painting Attacked Unawares was painted by the artist in 1871. This work is part of seven sketches about unequal battles between a Russian detachment and its enemies. This is a real battle painting, conveying an atmosphere of fear and pain.

The author tried to show the fortitude of the Russian soldier. Despite the numerical minority, they proudly assert their right to be called a soldier. Quite unexpectedly, in the midst of the mountain valley, this bloody battle ensues. Enemy units ride in on horseback with their swords drawn. But the handful of fighters are not at all frightened. On the contrary, the men rallied and are ready to give their final rebuff to the enemy.

Vereshchagin was able to convey this important moment. In the face of each Russian soldier visible undisguised fear, but courage does not allow you to scatter and hide between the rocks. The enemy in a solid line, going over the horizon, advances on the small group. We see weapons and banners being raised over their heads by desperate riders. Russian fighters run from their tents to help their loyal comrades. There are already the first casualties, someone at this very moment dies under the hooves of a horse.

Nature on this day is bright and calm. The mountain peaks are covered in a light haze, and the skies are blue. There seems to be only peace and beautiful scenery in the distance. It is in the foreground a bloody battle and yellowed grass under the soldiers’ feet. The peaks are covered with snow and do not portend anything bad, they sleep peacefully, and they are not interested in the war going on below.

This is the general impression of the author’s Turkestan War. The plot does not carry any historical fact. Such situations were everywhere during that period.

Historians have repeatedly studied this canvas, but have not found the authenticity in the carnage depicted. But this is not what the author sought to convey, he wanted to portray the bravery and patriotism of the Russian soldier. That it can not be broken, even when approaching thousands of troops of the enemy.