Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Events > London Book Fair
The International Exhibition: "The Two Friends - Sebastopol, 1855", by J. L. H. Bellange... 1862. Creator: W Thomas. The International Exhibition: "The Two Friends - Sebastopol, 1855", by J. L. H. Bellange... 1862. Creator: W Thomas
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The International Exhibition: "The Two Friends - Sebastopol, 1855", by J. L. H. Bellange... 1862. Creator: W Thomas. The International Exhibition: "The Two Friends - Sebastopol, 1855", by J. L. H. Bellange... 1862. Creator: W Thomas
The International Exhibition: "The Two Friends - Sebastopol, 1855", by J. L. H. Bellange, in the French Gallery, 1862. Few episodes occur in the bloody drama of war more affecting than that represented here of two young officers who have...fought together, and died together, the one probably for the other...They have been in the very thick of the fight, judging from the ploughed ground, the many cannon-balls and pieces of shells, and the number of dead and wounded lying about...One of the friends was struck first, and the other...flew to his assistance. He...stanched the bleeding breast, seized his hand as if to sustain and infuse new life into the dying man...while, perhaps, mortally wounded himself...the two hands were never unlocked. Death himself was unable to sever the "two friends." And thus they lay till the flags of truce brought the parties...from either side to carry away their dead and wounded. French and Russians converse unconcernedly amidst the carnage...beneath the sacred white flag...But at this sight there is an unwonted pause in the grim work. The staff officer and the surgeon...forget their sad duty of preparing the lists of the hors de combat, as, softened into pity, they peruse the letters taken from the dead'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 35126275
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
1862 International Exhibition Bellange Hippolyte Bellange Joseph Louis Hippolyte Boot Boots Carriage Boot Casualties Casualty Correspondence Crimean War Cultural Event Dead Dead Bodies Dead Body Exposition Great London Exposition Hero Heroic Heroism Hippolyte Bellangé International Exhibition Of 1862 Joseph Louis Hippolyte Bellange Letter Letters Pictures Prayer Book Sadness Sombre Thomas W Trade Fair W Thomas World Fair Worlds Fair Battlefield
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Cats (Domestic)
> Russian White
> Arts
> Artists
> B
> Joseph-Louis-Hippolyte Bellange
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> Thomas Hand
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Paintings
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Events
> London Book Fair
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Fashion
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph, titled "The International Exhibition: The Two Friends - Sebastopol, 1855," by J.L.H. Bellange and captured by W. Thomas in 1862, depicts a poignant moment of camaraderie and sacrifice during the Siege of Sebastopol in the Crimean War. The image portrays two young officers, one French and one Russian, lying in the midst of the battlefield, their hands intertwined. They are surrounded by the remnants of war - ploughed ground, cannonballs, and the bodies of the fallen. The story behind this powerful image is one of friendship and sacrifice. It is believed that one officer was struck first and the other, driven by loyalty and compassion, rushed to his side. Despite being mortally wounded himself, the second officer stanches his friend's bleeding breast and holds his hand, their bond unbroken even in death. The scene is further emphasized by the contrasting actions of the soldiers in the background. While the French and Russians converse unconcernedly amidst the carnage, the staff officer and surgeon pause in their duties, moved by the sight of the two friends. They read the letters found on the dead, momentarily forgetting the grim reality of their task. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring power of friendship. It was first exhibited at the International Exhibition in London in 1862 and has since become a symbol of the sacrifices made in times of conflict.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
