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Heroic Act of Piotr Shipka

Poster
ca. 31/05/1919-12/1919 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The poster praises Piotr Shipka, a Cossak in the White Russian Army, who voluntarily gave his horse to his commander and died under Bolshevik sabres as a result. The propagandist aim of the poster was to paint Shipka as a role model while simultaneously showing the brutality of the Bolshevik Reds. The event took place during the Russian Civil War (1918-1921), which was devastating to the country and left countless dead on both sides.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleHeroic Act of Piotr Shipka (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Colour lithograph
Brief description
'Heroic deed of Pyotr Shipka'. White Army anti-Bolshevik poster. ca. 1919. Two Red Army cavalry men attack cossack Shipka who gave his horse to his commander. Russia.
Physical description
A scene of a battle between the Cossaks and the Bolsheviks. Two equestrian Bolsheviks are about to strike the Cossak Shipka with their sabres. A small scene inset depicts Piotr Shipka giving his horse to his commander. A quote from the Dispatch Order N 15, 31.05.1919.
Dimensions
  • Height: 63.5cm
  • Width: 86.2cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
The Heroic Act of Piotr Shipka. "Seeing that the enemy is close, that every minute, blinded by demonic anger, Bolsheviks can reach his retreating on foot commander,...Piotr Shipka,... not caring for the mortal danger and remembering only his military and Christian duty, voluntarily gave his horse to his commander,.. and himself fell killed under the sabres of evil Reds, shielding his commander with his body"... (From the Dispatch Order of the Caucasian Army N 15 from 31 May 1919). (Left lower corner)
Translation
from Russian
Credit line
Gift of the American Friends of the V&A; Gift to the American Friends by Leslie, Judith and Gabri Schreyer and Alice Schreyer Batko
Production
Reason For Production: Commemorative
Reason For Production: Commission
Subjects depicted
Place depicted
Summary
The poster praises Piotr Shipka, a Cossak in the White Russian Army, who voluntarily gave his horse to his commander and died under Bolshevik sabres as a result. The propagandist aim of the poster was to paint Shipka as a role model while simultaneously showing the brutality of the Bolshevik Reds. The event took place during the Russian Civil War (1918-1921), which was devastating to the country and left countless dead on both sides.
Other number
LS.1770 - Leslie Schreyer Loan Number
Collection
Accession number
E.1811-2004

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Record createdNovember 3, 2005
Record URL
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