Marshal Józef Piłsudski on his horse 'Kasztanka'
Józef Piłsudski on Kasztanka is one of the most famous pictures by Wojciech Kossak
(1856–1942), Poland’s foremost painter of history and battle scenes. The equestrian portrait of Marshal Józef Piłsudski shows him on his beloved charger — mare named Kasztanka (in English Chestnut). Legionnaires on horseback are depicted in the background. The painting was executed in Piłsudski's lifetime in 1928, and represents the Battle of Warsaw (also known as ‘The Miracle on the Vistula’). Fought between 12 and 25 August 1920 during the Russo-Polish War, the Battle of Warsaw is considered as one of the world’s most significant battles. Józef Piłsudski orchestrated the strategy for this battle, credited for safeguarding Poland's independence thanks to defeating the Red Army.
Piłsudski received Kasztanka in 1914 as a gift from the Romer family, owners of the Czaple Małe Estate (in English: Small Heron Estate). Her name derives from her coat colour.
2023-11-30