Russian Culture and Civilization under the Tsars - Essay Example

Each banner also has a cross on the support pole, again lending to a religious cause. The flags seem to symbolize peace in their beliefs, which is odd given the battle. Some figures do not carry banners; one holds a decorated wooden cross with rounded edges and a representation of Christ being crucified painted or etched into it. Another carries a flag with a representation of Christ on it, the white of the flag surrounded by unreadable red lettering. The back half of the flag is missing and aflame; it is burning in the hands of the carrier.

One man in the back, behind the leading line of religious figures, holds a large bound book that may be a Bible, though there is no title on the cover. Another carries a lit candle, while at the other end of the religious figures, a woman holds a two-colored lamp of green and gold that is decorated with crosses on top, signifying her support for the religious cause behind this battle. The ages of those dressed in robes varies; a man with white hair and long beard stands facing the battling soldiers, holding a sword with determination and sadness in his eyes, but he does not actively attack.

Some figures have elaborate gold embellishment on their robes, while others are clad in simple robes of white or light colors only. Others, as well, grown men of middle age, hold their own banners and flags or candles and look on with expressions of sadness and dismay, as though to say that they believe in their cause, but they worry and pray for the souls that will be lost. All the figures carrying religious banners or items appear to look alike, with their dark hair in the same style, as well as their facial hair, also all in the same style.

Towards the back of the religious line, there is an older religious man with a cap, clad in blue; his expression is unreadable. An almost ethereal, heavenly glow appears to surround the persons that wear robes. In the front attacking line, a youthful boy clad all in white with no weapon in hand has an expression on his face of one that is in pain. This is most likely due to the soldier standing in front of him with his sword raised high, ready to strike; however, there is an absence of blood on the youth or the ground.

The flag support being carried by the soldier closest to the walls has been broken, the sharp jagged ends sticking out. The flag itself is of a bright orange-red color with a white bird on it, possibly a dove or some other animal that is symbolized in religious writings. As with the banners, the flag has what appears to be a religious “figure” on top of the pole, cast in metal. The soldiers at the front of the walls are actively attacking the opposing army, with expressions ranging from fear to frenzied rage.

All wield axes and strike with fury and vengeance. The soldiers look polished and clean, ready for battle. Others lie dead on the ground, their expressions ones of peace and serenity. All are clad in the same uniform with very slight difference in the attacking army uniforms vs. the opposing army; one must look carefully at the helmets to see that one is different from another. It is clear, however, from the expressions on some of the soldiers’ faces that they did not expect the strength or ferocity of the attackers to be so violent; their shock, fear, and horror are almost palpable.

Some figures do not belong to either the religious group or the soldiers. Perhaps