Sculpture "Cossack for the Danube"

The 'Cossack for the Danube' is an exquisite sculpture that emanates rich historical and cultural undertones. Created in 1878 by Evgeny Lancere, this artistic masterpiece captures the essence of a crucial moment in Russian history - the crossing of the Danube River by Russian troops in 1877 to thwart a Turkish invasion of Montenegro.

Lancere, born Evgeny Alexandrovich (1848-1886), hailed from a French family that later migrated to Russia. The son of a railway engineer, Lancere did not receive formal education in arts. However, his relentless passion for sculpture took him to the workshops of famed artisans like N.I.Liberich. Committed to sharpening his craft, Lancere used nature itself as his tutor, honing his skill in modeling to create breathtaking pieces of art.

A notable mark of Lancere's work is an inherent national historical and ethnographic flavor, enriched by his extensive travels across central and southern Russia, Ukraine, the Caucasus, Bashkiria, Kyrgyzstan, Crimea, and even Algeria. Furthermore, his visits to Paris in 1867 and 1876 enhanced his understanding of artistic bronze casting, giving his creations a unique edge.

The 'Cossack for the Danube' embodies Lancere's artistic prowess and his respect for Russian history, making it an iconic testimony to the Russian-Turkish War. The sculpture stands as a symbolic representation of courage and resilience, an immortal tribute to the heroes who defended their land with unyielding valor.