Parliamentarians. Give up! – Go to hell! Vasily Vereshchagin (1842-1904)

The painting depicts a battlefield strewn with the bodies of fallen soldiers under a clear, bright sky. In the foreground, two figures on horseback are seen from behind, looking out over the scene. The warrior on the left wears a richly patterned yellow and blue robe, while the one on the right is in a more muted, patterned military uniform. The rider on the right has his arm raised, seemingly in a gesture of defiance or victory, with his fist clenched.
The ground is arid and dusty, characteristic of a desert or steppe landscape, with scattered dry vegetation. The fallen soldiers, dressed in various colored garments and turbans, lie in disarray, some with weapons scattered around them. In the middle ground, a group of figures is gathered, possibly survivors or those tending to the fallen, with more distant figures and banners suggesting the presence of opposing armies or a continued struggle. The background shows rolling hills under a vast expanse of blue sky, contributing to the sense of an open and exposed battleground.
The title, Parliamentarians. Give up! - Go to hell!, provides a strong narrative context. The painting captures the aftermath of a decisive battle, likely a victory for the figures on horseback. The raised arm of the warrior on the right can be interpreted as a triumphant gesture, a rejection of any parley or surrender, and a forceful dismissal of any remaining opposition. The scene evokes themes of warfare, conquest, and the brutal realities of conflict. The stark contrast between the vibrant attire of the foreground riders and the somber scene of death and destruction underscores the human cost of war. The title suggests a moment of absolute victory and zero tolerance for any form of negotiation with the vanquished, portraying an unforgiving outcome for those defeated.