The Hermitage continues to exhibit paintings on the war period of 1812

On August 17, the Hermitage again provided the halls of the Winter Palace with one of the masterpieces dedicated to the war with Napoleon. The Armorial Hall, whose walls remember the sounds of steps of members of the imperial family, prominent military leaders and statesmen, again plunged into the atmosphere of the 19th century.

The canvas “The Battle of Smolensk” by the famous painter P. von Hess, commissioned by Nicholas I, is dedicated to the military battles of 1812. This picture is striking in its contrasts - military action takes place against the backdrop of the unshakable beauty of Russian nature - the mountains are shrouded in smoke from gunpowder and even trees, as if bent under the weight of military passions. Battles can be seen in the background, resting soldiers and hurrying peasants are in front, and a clear, clear sky rises above all this confusion.

This battle can not be attributed to the victorious, but it fulfilled its main function - undermined the strength of the Napoleonic army and lured it deeper into the country. Two weeks of fierce fighting were not in vain - the French lost faith in the quick outcome of the war and were forced to move on to Moscow. Barclay de Tolly, who led the Russian troops, remained true to his strategy and dragged the French further and further, leaving behind them the enemy rear and depriving them of the ability to make quick and swift maneuvers.

The painting proposed by the Hermitage allows you to revive the memory of this war, which later became one of the most glorious pages in the history of Russia. The exhibition runs until January 2011.

Eve Istr