On the road. Retreat and escape ... 1895

Vasily Vereshchagin's "On the road. Retreat and escape ..." (1895) is a powerful depiction of the harsh realities of war. The painting showcases a winter landscape blanketed in snow, where a group of soldiers marches through a battlefield littered with abandoned artillery and the dead. The stark contrast of the white snow against the dark figures of the soldiers and the ominous presence of crows emphasizes the sense of loss and devastation. Vereshchagin, a renowned war artist, used his art to expose the horrors of conflict, aiming to promote peace and understanding. This painting, characteristic of his style, resonates with viewers through its stark realism and poignant portrayal of the aftermath of war.