Human Shield Sergey Sergeyevich Solomko (1867-1928)

The artwork presents a poignant and unsettling scene centered around a woman in what appears to be a domestic setting, yet dramatically disrupted by the intrusion of war. Here we see her positioned in profile, facing towards the right side of the composition, with an expression of intense anguish etched on her face. Her eyes are wide and directed upwards, suggesting a mixture of fear and desperate appeal. She is draped in modest clothing – a dark dress and headscarf – typical of early 20th-century attire.
The most striking element of the image is the rifle held across her shoulders. It rests precariously on her arms, with the barrel extending towards the viewer, effectively using her body as a barrier – a “human shield” – between unseen forces and an infant cradled in her arms. The baby’s face is obscured, adding to the sense of vulnerability and helplessness conveyed by the scene.
The architectural setting contributes significantly to the narrative. A doorway frames the woman, suggesting confinement or entrapment within a domestic space that has been violated by external conflict. The walls are partially damaged, hinting at recent violence or impending threat. Light streams in from an unseen source, illuminating her figure and emphasizing the stark contrast between the shadows of the room and the brightness highlighting her distress.
The inscription at the top, Leurs lâchetés, (Their Cowardice) immediately introduces a critical perspective on the conflict. The text below, repeated in French, English, and Russian, reads: “O God! Save my boy that he may avenge us!” This plea underscores the personal cost of war – a mother’s desperate hope for retribution on behalf of her child.
The artists choice to depict a woman and infant within this context is deliberate. It evokes themes of maternal protection, innocence threatened by violence, and the devastating impact of conflict on civilian populations. The image functions as a powerful indictment of war, not through overt displays of battle, but through the intimate portrayal of its human consequences – a mother’s anguish and her willingness to sacrifice herself for her childs safety. It is an appeal to divine intervention and a silent accusation directed at those responsible for the violence.