Russia's War with the Germans. The Heroic Feat of Lieutenant Smirnov. A. V. Krylov & C. Printing and Lithographic Firm, 1914. Lubok, World War I.

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This print showing cavalry racing into a lake is from the collection of World War I lubok posters held at the British Library. The caption explains: "During the bloody fighting at the Masurian Lakes, a battery, commanded by Lieutenant Smirnov, was surrounded by German troops. The only way out was into the lake. Not wanting to be captured, the battery, on the order of Smirnov, gripped the caissons and pushed them into the lake, thereby not allowing the enemy to take possession of any of our guns. Smirnov and the rest of the battery died a glorious death of heroes." Lubok is a Russian word for popular prints created from woodcuts, engravings, etchings, or later, by using lithography. The prints were often characterized by simple, colorful graphics depicting a narrative, and could also include text. Lubok gained popularity in Russia beginning in the late 17th century.

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Size: 6230px × 4704px
Location: Europe
Photo credit: © Bill Waterson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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