Shamil Iman Chechni i Dagestana Russian folk splints

The drawing presents a scene centered around a large, ornate carriage drawn by four horses. The composition is dominated by this vehicle, which occupies nearly the entire central space and commands immediate attention. A figure, presumably the subject of the work, sits within the carriage; his posture suggests authority and dignity, though details are obscured by the carriage’s structure. He is dressed in elaborate attire, indicative of a high social status or leadership role.
Surrounding the carriage are several individuals, depicted with varying degrees of detail. To the left, a group of men appear to be attendants or guards, their stances suggesting vigilance and readiness. On the right side, additional figures observe the procession, some on foot and others mounted on horseback. Their expressions are difficult to discern definitively, but they convey a sense of respect and deference towards the central figure.
The background establishes a landscape context. A fortified structure is visible in the distance, hinting at a location within a contested or strategically important territory. The terrain appears uneven and arid, suggesting a challenging environment. A mountain range rises in the far background, adding depth to the scene and reinforcing the sense of remoteness.
The artist employed a technique that emphasizes line work and tonal variation to create form and texture. The use of hatching and cross-hatching generates shading and highlights, contributing to a sense of realism while maintaining a graphic quality characteristic of printmaking. The limited palette – primarily black and white with subtle gradations – focuses attention on the figures and their interactions within the scene.
Subtly embedded in the image is an element of controlled power. The carriage itself becomes a symbol of authority, transporting the central figure through what appears to be a landscape under his dominion. The presence of armed attendants reinforces this impression of control and security. The depiction suggests not merely a portrait but also a statement about leadership and governance within a specific geographical and political context. The inclusion of the distant fortifications implies a narrative of conquest or administration, subtly conveying a message regarding imperial power and its reach into peripheral regions.