Embarkation of Russian Prisoners at Bomarsund

1854

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Embarkation of Russian Prisoners at Bomarsund is a 1854 by Edwin Thomas Dolby, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Edwin Thomas Dolby
When & what style?: 1854 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This print shows a chaotic crowd of people on a dock. In the center, a small boat is being loaded with prisoners—some kneel, others sit, all guarded by soldiers with rifles. The background is packed with more figures, some watching, others pushing or pulling. The scene feels tense, with rough waves and a dark, stormy sky. Notice how the artist uses sharp lines and deep shadows to show the struggle. The prisoners look tired, while the guards stand firm. It’s a moment of movement and control. Look up Edwin Thomas Dolby to see how he captured real-life scenes like this.

The story of this work

Overview

The print titled *Embarkation of Russian Prisoners at Bomarsund* is part of a series called *Dolby's Sketches of the Baltic*, created by Edwin Thomas Dolby in 1854. It depicts the transfer of Russian prisoners during the Crimean War conflict at Bomarsund.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

Edwin Thomas Dolby

Edwin Thomas Dolby made detailed prints about a real 1854 war in the Baltic Sea. These prints show British, French, and Russian soldiers landing, prisoners boarding ships, and cannons blasting a fort’s stone walls at…

See the richer artist page