In 1854, Nikolai Stoletov completed his studies at the Physics and Mathematics Department of Moscow University. At that time, a war had been ongoing for a year between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, supported by a coalition of European nations. The conflict reached its peak in Crimea, hence it was called the “Crimean War”. Many young people were inspired to join the front lines, driven by patriotism. Due to the students’ insistence, exams were postponed from May to February. Nikolai Stoletov volunteered for service. His family disapproved of this decision, but he remained firm in his resolve.

In September 1854, the defense of Sevastopol commenced, which lasted for 349 days. In March 1855, Nikolai Stoletov was stationed on the northern side of the city, before being transferred to the southern sector in early May. There, he actively participated in repulsing attacks by French forces aimed at the fourth, fifth, and sixth bastions. On May 23, 1855, Stoletov was promoted to the rank of ensign.

Throughout the battles for Sevastopol, the defenders of the fortress — the artillery units — displayed exceptional bravery. In recognition of their efforts, the name of the light battery of the 10th brigade was engraved on the marble tablets of the Church of St. Nicholas in Sevastopol. During the Crimean War, Stoletov received his first military honor — the Soldier’s Cross of St. George— for his bravery demonstrated in the Battle of Inkerman. He also became an officer.

The print on display shows the 4th Bastion in Sevastopol, where Nikolai Stoletov served in 1855. The majority of the composition is taken up by the depiction of the interior of the Bastion. In the foreground, at the left side, two soldiers dig the ground at the base of an artificial trench. Around the perimeter of this trench are bulky fortifications of the Bastion, with cannons and cannonballs in between. Below the image, there is an inscription that reads, “Interior of a Corner of the Fourth Bastion.“

The artist who created the drawing from life was Nikolai Vasilyevich Berg. The engraver who produced the print was Dmitry Nikolayevich Rossov. The engraving was produced at the Wilhelm Bachmann Lithographic Institution in Moscow.