The Russo-Turkish War

The Polish artist Stanisław Chlebowski came to Istanbul in 1864 and provided an artistic education to many Ottoman princes, including Abdülmecid Efendi. Presented to Sultan Abdülaziz by Grand Vizier Fuad Paşa, he served as court painter between 1870-1875 and was honoured with the Mecidî Order of the third degree.

While he was in Istanbul, the artist painted portraits and scenes of court life, as well as many scenes depicting battles from Ottoman history, specially requested by Sultan Abdülaziz. As a court painter, Chlebowski worked at the pleasure of the sultan, on commission. However, it is also known that he painted many of his military-themed works from drafts that he prepared with the sultan himself, who had taken painting lessons in his youth. Some of the sketches made by Sultan Abdülaziz for Chlebowski’s battle scenes are currently in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków. These sketches, featuring long, flowing lines, reflect the sultan’s talent and personal interests, and the collaborative work that he undertook with Chlebowski.

The Russo-Turkish War is attributed to Abdülmecid Efendi, though it is not signed. Here, the prince has painted a war scene similar to the military victories depicted by his instructor Chlebowski, commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz. The war took place over 1877-1878 according to the Gregorian calendar, and was also known as the “War of 93” as these dates correspond to 1293 in the Rumi calendar. One of its most notable fronts was the Siege of Plevna. The Ottoman army withstood three large assaults by the Russian and Romanian armies, who outnumbered them significantly, and defended Plevna for 145 days. In this painting, Abdülmecid Efendi illustrated a victorious moment in the battle, even though it ultimately ended in defeat for the Ottomans.

The Ottoman soldiers on horseback are portrayed as the victors of the battle, with their swords in the air, firing their rifles. The Russian soldiers are easily recognisable in their navy blue trench coats, their uniform from the second half of the 19th century until the First World War. Their defeat is emphasised by the way in which they are scattered on the ground and by their smaller size in comparison to the Ottoman soldiers. If the painting depicts the Siege of Plevna, then the tower, partially visible in the background on the lefthand side, must be the Fortress of Plevna.