Pyotr Pavlovich Karyagin (1875–1928) graduated from the cadet corps in Voronezh, and then the art school in Odessa and the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. In 1910, the paintings “The Wave Has Come” and “Bayonet Attack” earned him the title of artist. Painting attracted him more than a military career. But military education also affected his creativity, he took a great interest in battle painting and had a profound understanding of this genre.
The presented canvas is dedicated to the retreat of Napoleon’s troops from Russia. Judging by the mention of the 13th Horse Artillery Company in the title, an episode from the Battle of Berezina is depicted here.
The 13th Horse Company under the command of Ivan Karlovich Arnoldi was part of the army of Admiral Pavel Vasilievich Chichagov. On November 14–16, the gunners courageously repelled the enemy’s attacks, despite huge losses. Three horses that Arnoldi himself rode were killed. Having lost several guns during the battle, he managed to get guns from neighboring companies and continue shelling, and then pursued the retreating French all the way to the Neman. For his bravery, Arnoldi received the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class with a bow.
In 1799, Ivan Arnoldi passed the final exam in the Artillery and Engineering Land Gentry Cadet Corps in the presence of Paul I himself. With the rank of second lieutenant of artillery, he joined a field battalion stationed in St. Petersburg. A year later Arnoldi received the Order of St. John of Jerusalem: Paul I was very pleased with Arnoldi who diligently performed his duties.
In 1806–1807, Ivan Karlovich served as adjutant to Major General Count Alexander Ivanovich Kutaisov and earned the golden officer’s Cross in the Battle of Preussisch-Eylau.
Arnoldi had a new opportunity to distinguish himself in the battles of Lomiten and Heilsberg, and then in the Battle of Friedland. For Friedland, he was awarded the Gold St. Anna Sword with an inscription “For Bravery”.
In 1811, for his zealous performance of the duties as an adjutant and as a recognition of his military merits, Arnoldi received the right to wear gold collar patches “For Distinction”. Ivan Dmitrievich Sytin in his “Military Encyclopedia” noted that Arnoldi “intimidated the soldiers, although he also took care of their food and clothing.” He entered Russian military history as one of the bravest gunners of his time.
Ivan Karlovich Arnoldi died at the age of 79 with the rank of General of Artillery, hero of the Napoleonic Wars and senator.
The presented canvas is dedicated to the retreat of Napoleon’s troops from Russia. Judging by the mention of the 13th Horse Artillery Company in the title, an episode from the Battle of Berezina is depicted here.
The 13th Horse Company under the command of Ivan Karlovich Arnoldi was part of the army of Admiral Pavel Vasilievich Chichagov. On November 14–16, the gunners courageously repelled the enemy’s attacks, despite huge losses. Three horses that Arnoldi himself rode were killed. Having lost several guns during the battle, he managed to get guns from neighboring companies and continue shelling, and then pursued the retreating French all the way to the Neman. For his bravery, Arnoldi received the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th class with a bow.
In 1799, Ivan Arnoldi passed the final exam in the Artillery and Engineering Land Gentry Cadet Corps in the presence of Paul I himself. With the rank of second lieutenant of artillery, he joined a field battalion stationed in St. Petersburg. A year later Arnoldi received the Order of St. John of Jerusalem: Paul I was very pleased with Arnoldi who diligently performed his duties.
In 1806–1807, Ivan Karlovich served as adjutant to Major General Count Alexander Ivanovich Kutaisov and earned the golden officer’s Cross in the Battle of Preussisch-Eylau.
Arnoldi had a new opportunity to distinguish himself in the battles of Lomiten and Heilsberg, and then in the Battle of Friedland. For Friedland, he was awarded the Gold St. Anna Sword with an inscription “For Bravery”.
In 1811, for his zealous performance of the duties as an adjutant and as a recognition of his military merits, Arnoldi received the right to wear gold collar patches “For Distinction”. Ivan Dmitrievich Sytin in his “Military Encyclopedia” noted that Arnoldi “intimidated the soldiers, although he also took care of their food and clothing.” He entered Russian military history as one of the bravest gunners of his time.
Ivan Karlovich Arnoldi died at the age of 79 with the rank of General of Artillery, hero of the Napoleonic Wars and senator.
