General Adiutant General ot Kavalerii Mikhail Grigorevich Khomutov Russian folk splints

The lithograph presents a military figure on horseback, dominating the composition through scale and placement. He is positioned centrally, slightly offset to the right, commanding attention as he surveys a regiment arrayed before him. The man wears a dark uniform adorned with numerous medals and decorations, suggesting high rank and extensive service. His posture is upright, resolute; his gaze directed forward, conveying authority and perhaps expectation. A plumed hat sits atop his head, further emphasizing his status.
The horse itself is richly decorated, sporting elaborate tack and a draped crimson cloth that echoes the color of the flags held by soldiers in the background. The animal’s stance is controlled yet powerful, contributing to the overall impression of strength and command.
Behind the central figure stretches a long line of uniformed men, arranged in precise rows. They are depicted with limited individual detail, appearing as a collective unit rather than distinct personalities. Their uniformity reinforces the hierarchical structure inherent in military organization. The flags they carry display various emblems, likely representing different units or regiments within the larger force.
The background is simplified, rendered in muted tones that contrast with the more detailed depiction of the foreground figures. This serves to push the regiment further back, emphasizing its vastness and reinforcing the central figure’s position as a leader overseeing a large body of troops. The artist employed a limited color palette – primarily reds, blues, whites, and browns – which lends the image a somewhat formal and traditional feel.
Subtly, the composition suggests themes of power, order, and military discipline. The rigid arrangement of the soldiers, coupled with the commanding presence of the officer on horseback, conveys an atmosphere of control and preparedness. There is a sense of theatricality to the scene; it feels less like a spontaneous moment and more like a carefully staged portrait intended to project an image of strength and leadership. The lithograph likely served as a form of propaganda or commemoration, designed to celebrate military prowess and reinforce societal hierarchies within its historical context.