Who painted After the attack. Plevna, 1877-1878?

After the attack. Plevna, 1877-1878 was painted by Vasily Vereshchagin in 1891.

Where can I see After the attack. Plevna, 1877-1878?

After the attack. Plevna, 1877-1878 is held by Tretyakov Gallery.

What movement is After the attack. Plevna, 1877-1878?

After the attack. Plevna, 1877-1878 is associated with Realism.

Artwork

After the attack. Plevna, 1877-1878

Vasily Vereshchagin , 1891

After the attack. Plevna, 1877-1878 is an unspecified painting by the Realist artist Vasily Vereshchagin. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery. After the attack.

About this work

Overview

After the attack. Plevna, 1877-1878 is a painting by Vasily Vereshchagin, created in 1891, depicting the aftermath of a battle during the Russo-Turkish War. It is part of the artist's realist series on conflict, characterized by unvarnished portrayals of war's consequences.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures the devastating scene following an attack on Plevna, with soldiers in dark uniforms lying injured or dead across a landscape dotted with white and green tents. A central figure in a long white coat and hat, holding a rifle, stands amidst the chaos, while distant smoke exacerbates the somber atmosphere, conveying the brutality of war's aftermath.

Technique & Style

Vereshchagin's realist approach in this work emphasizes stark, graphic details, avoiding idealization. The contrast between dark uniforms, white tents, and the muted backdrop with a plume of smoke, contributes to the overall somber and haunting mood, underscoring the artist's commitment to realistic war depiction.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1891, *After the attack. Plevna, 1877-1878* is now part of the collection at the Tretyakov Gallery. Notably, Vereshchagin's unflinching realism often led to censorship of his works.

Context

The painting is set against the backdrop of the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878), specifically referencing the battles around Plevna (now Pleven, Bulgaria), a key conflict zone. Vereshchagin's firsthand experience with war influenced his detailed, realistic depictions.

Legacy

*After the attack. Plevna, 1877-1878* contributes to Vereshchagin's legacy as a pioneering war artist, known for his uncompromising views on conflict. The work remains significant in the Tretyakov Gallery's collection, illustrating the harsh realities of 19th-century warfare.

Artist & collection

Artist

Vasily Vereshchagin

Vasily Vasilyevich Vereshchagin (Russian: Васи́лий Васи́льевич Вереща́гин; 26 October 1842 – 13 April 1904) was a Russian painter, war artist, and traveller.