Guak Russian folk splints

The drawing presents a chaotic battle scene rendered in a style reminiscent of folk art or popular prints. A central figure, presumably a leader or hero, dominates the composition. He is depicted on horseback, positioned slightly off-center and angled towards the viewer. The rider’s posture conveys both authority and aggression; he raises a weapon – likely a sword or axe – above his head in a gesture of command or triumph. His helmet features an elaborate plume, adding to his imposing presence.
The surrounding space is filled with a multitude of figures engaged in combat. Both the heros forces and their adversaries are represented by soldiers on horseback and foot, wielding spears, flags, and other weaponry. The artist has employed a limited color palette – primarily greens, blues, reds, and yellows – applied in broad strokes to delineate clothing, armor, and banners. This contributes to the work’s somewhat crude but energetic aesthetic.
The ground is rendered as a jumble of fallen bodies and discarded equipment, further emphasizing the brutality and disarray of battle. The artist has used hatching and cross-hatching techniques for shading, creating texture and depth within the figures and landscape. A purple band runs along the bottom edge of the composition, providing a visual anchor and contrasting with the lighter tones above.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of warfare, subtexts emerge through several compositional choices. The hero’s elevated position and dynamic pose suggest an idealized portrayal of leadership and martial prowess. The chaotic arrangement of figures and the lack of detailed facial expressions contribute to a sense of overwhelming conflict and perhaps even a degree of satirical commentary on the glorification of war. The overall effect is one of theatricality, as if the scene were staged for public display. The Cyrillic inscription at the bottom likely identifies the subject matter or provides context within a specific cultural narrative.