What's going on in this painting by Karl Bryullov?

The king's Polish-Lithuanian troops conducted several successful military campaigns and captured a number of Russian cities. In 1581, they besieged the strategically important city of Pskov, which protected the northwestern borders of the Russian state.

Enemy artillery fire caused a breach in the wall. On September 8, Batory's troops stormed the city, captured two towers and attempted to continue the offensive.

At that moment, the defenders launched a counterattack. The warriors were supported by city residents, as well as monks and priests, who advanced with icons in hand.

The people of Pskov not only managed to repel the enemy, but also to break into their camp. This successful attack gave them time to reinforce the wall. Batory never was able to take Pskov in the end.

It was this heroic counterattack that Bryullov depicted. He meticulously prepared for the painting – he visited Pskov, examined the walls, studied how people dressed in that time, what armor they wore and the weapons they used.

The artist worked on the painting for four years – from 1839 to 1843 – and yet never completed it. At some point, he simply abandoned it in his studio and switched to other projects. Bryullov called his brainchild ‘The Annoyance of Pskov’.

According to one theory, the reason was excessive pressure and interference from authorities. They were extremely interested in creating a heroic canvas and practically controlled the artist's every move.

Today, the painting is on display at the State Tretyakov Gallery.