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Lot Essay
The present work depicts a cavalryman in the squadron of General Mikhail Cherniaev (1828-1898). General Cherniaev, a crucial figure in the Russian conquest of Central Asia under Alexander II, also took part in the liberation of the Serbs from the Ottoman Empire after Russia entered the war in April 1877. In February 1878 the Preliminary Treaty of San Stefano was signed by Russia and the Ottoman Empire; the treaty essentially secured the sovereignty of the Balkan nations and strengthened the power of Russia in the Near East.
In September 1876 Polenov joined the army as a volunteer. The artist experienced the realities of war, which he brilliantly captured in his sketches. Some of these sketches were later used to illustrate 'Diary of a Russian Volunteer' - a chronicle of the war published in Pchela [The bee] magazine. In recognition of Polenov's military prowess, the artist was awarded a Montenegrin medal 'For Bravery' and the Serbian Order of the Cross of Takovo.
In September 1876 Polenov joined the army as a volunteer. The artist experienced the realities of war, which he brilliantly captured in his sketches. Some of these sketches were later used to illustrate 'Diary of a Russian Volunteer' - a chronicle of the war published in Pchela [The bee] magazine. In recognition of Polenov's military prowess, the artist was awarded a Montenegrin medal 'For Bravery' and the Serbian Order of the Cross of Takovo.