"[Lot of 2] The Horrible Massacre in the Forteresse of Astracan [and] [Untitled - Volga River]",

These two scenes were drawn by Jan Jansen Struys, a Dutch artist who traveled with the Dutch East India Company. These was taken from his third voyage which took him to Russia, Persia and Arabia from 1667-1673.

A. The Horrible Massacre in the Forteresse of Astracan. This scene in southern Russia depicts a peasant war against the nobility and feudal leaders in Astracan. The revolt was led by Stenka Razin and supported by a large group of Cossacks, who were discontent with the government's decision to extend serfdom to the southern part of the country. At center, surrounded by an audience, is the Governor and Vice Chancellor lying dead having been thrown from the top of the tower. Numerous other small brutal scenes are shown while a handful of men escape over the fortress wall.

B. [Untitled - Volga River]. This illustration depicts Stenka Razin throwing a princess into the Volga River as an offering.

References:

Condition: B+

Watermarked paper with light toning. Remnants of hinge tape on verso.