Cossack clues

Deciphering the portrait 1. Kobza

A traditional lute-like instrument often seen as a symbol of Ukraine.

2. Horse

In traditional Ukrainian paintings a horse depicts freedom and fidelity.

3. Clothing

Johnson is wearing a zupan (a 16th-century coat indicating high social status), a vyshyvanka (traditional embroidered shirt), and cavalry trousers and shoes.

4. Sword and flask

Swords and flasks were put in graves, and in portraits serve as a reminder about the dangerous life of a Cossack.

5. Church

A three-domed cathedral is an example of Ukrainian Baroque, a style distinct from Western European Baroque.

6. Coats of arms

The coat of arms of modern Ukraine and the royal coat of arms of Britain.

7. Scrolls

Lyrics of the anthem of the Sich Cossacks.