The artwork, titled “Bashi-bazouk (Albanian),” was created by Vasily Vereshchagin between 1877 and 1878. It falls under the Realism and Orientalism art movements and is a portrait genre piece.
In the artwork, a man is depicted standing, adorned in notably elaborate attire, characterized by a striking red turban and robe which are prominent against the dark background. He carries a variety of weapons, including a sword and rifle, accentuating a militaristic presence. The intricate details of his clothing and the dim, shadowy environment create a vivid contrast and depth, highlighting the artist’s skill in rendering both the complexity of the subject and the ambiance.