Alexei and Sergei Tkachyov worked on ‘For the Land, For Freedom’ from 1965 until 1969. In it, they explore the theme of the Red Army’s formation during the civil war. The artists spoke about the painting’s subject: ‘Hot flames in the night illuminate people’s faces. Russian’s endless expanse lies in front of them. Soldiers have gathered around the fire to swear allegiance to the revolution.’
A young soldier with a red bow on his chest is positioned in the centre of the painting. He is brightly illuminated by the fire, with his expression clearly visible: his lips are pursed and his eyes are fixed on a single point. The detail of his knuckles shows the determination with which he is holding onto his rifle. Next to the central subject, a soldier is holding a red banner. The fire light allows the viewer to see the subject - a serious and calm man, completely aware of the importance of the event as it happens. The rest of the characters are painted as if in passing, but that does not reduce the sharpness of their characteristics.
The Tkachyov brothers managed to show a huge historical occurrence without having to portray a large crowd. Only five people are shown in the painting, but they present the collective image of the whole Red Army - they all have a strong spirit and a fervent desire for the revolution. The painting’s composition helps to develop this sense: the figures are shown in close-up and occupy almost the whole of the painting’s width.
The artists worked on sketches by a real fire in order to accurately recreate the flickering of the flames. At this time, the Tkachyov worked in their studio in Novoye Kotchishche, where a shed adjacent to their house had been turned into a studio. The artists would wait until dusk and then light a fire in the courtyard next to the studio. The brothers would set up next to the fire and work on studies. Many sketches were completed with the images of faces, hands, red banners, clothing and military boots lit up by the fire. As a result of this, the artists were able to recreate the dancing light and shadows in dusk incredibly realistically.
The painting’s color scheme is very important. The artists emphasize the subject’s romantic qualities through the contrast between the purple-blue color of dusk and the crimson shade of the flag.
