3-072-000 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Return of the Lisowczycy, 1868. The Lisowczycy was a light cavalry unit that took part in the wars with Sweden, Turkey, Russia and other countries. The soldiers showed courage and unmatched bravery. The Lisowczycy did not receive formal wages, relying on what they looted. Due to the plundering and cruelty exhibited during their military expeditions, they had a bad reputation throughout Europe. Pillati depicted the knight-robbers in a free-from-brutality, cheerful scene in a provincial town. The painting presents men with their horses, armed with sabres, broadswords, muskets, halberds, picks and pickaxes. They are engaged in simple conversation. The welcoming atmosphere of the work is emphasised by a soldier sitting against a wall polishing or repairing a weapon.