Suvorov on guard

Taras Shevchenko. Suvorov on guard.
[1841, late – 1842, the beginning. St. Petersburg].
Reproduced by polytypage. 8,7 × 7,5 cm
Reproduced on page 8 of the book "History of Suvorov".

Shevchenko's signature at the bottom left T.SH.; middle of monogram engravers Andre, Best, Leloire: ABL.

Shevchenko's drawing, which produced prints, dating approximately from the end of 1841 – beginning 1842.

The illustration to the text on pages 8 and 9 of the book, concerning the meeting of the Empress Elizabeth with a young soldier Suvorov, who stood on guard at Peterhof near Monplaisir. Watchman so deftly gave her the honor that earned the award – a silver ruble, however, refused to take because it is forbidden by law. The Empress put a coin on the ground, offering to take it after the change. View of Monplaisir Shevchenko painted apparently with nature. K.V. Shyrotsky indicates that the detail of the artwork – a flowerpot "ever now can be seen in Monplaisir" [Shyrotsky K. Shevchenko as an illustrator // Shevchenko's collection. – St. Petersburg, 1914. – Vol. 1. – p. 98].

At December 14, 1842 was announced in the press that the first issue of "History of Suvorov" sent to subscribers [Northern Bee. – 1842. – 14 December], where the artwork was reproduces for the first time.

The first mention with the false name "First meet of Suvorov with Catherine" [Literary Gazette. – 1842. – 20 December].

Remembered with names: "Empress Elizabeth Petrovna presented Suvorov Silver ruble" [Stremoukhov M.B., Symansky P.N. Suvorov's life in artworks. – M., 1900. – p. 11], "Young Suvorov stands guard" [T. Shevchenko Complete Works. – [X., 1932. – T. 8]. – p. 41. – № 301]; «Meeting of Suvorov with queen Elizabeth Petrovna" [Gasanova E. Truth and originally // Zarja. – 1961. – March 10].

V.A. Sudak, L.D. Zinchuk

After publication: T.H. Shevchenko Complete Works in 12 volumes. – K.: Naukova Dumka, 2003, v. 7, p. 112 – 113 (image), p. 399 (note).