Vasily Surukov "Capture of the Snow Fortress" (1891)
Surukov was a well known 19th Russian academic realist painter who specialized in historical scenes. This painting is a deviation from (and perhaps a parody of) his usually dramatic depiction of military scenes. Surokov painted this image of a mock battle which was played as a childrens' game on Shrovetide (in March, just before spring) and exhibited the Spartan culture of the Russian Cossacks. The contrast of this image with his usual military subjects and personal experience is especially poignant given that this was painted as he mourned the death of his wife and was spending time with his children in the countryside. The red smiling faces contrasted against the cold blue snow and suggested a greater battle than any military conflict, that of the human will to endure adversity. 

• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Ayous wood frame
• Acrylite front protector
• White mat board
• Hanging hardware included
• 21×30cm posters are size A4