You might be wondering why one of the Cossacks in the painting "The Zaporozhian Cossacks" is depicted naked.

The painting "Cossacks" by Ilya Repin is a true masterpiece that transformed Ukrainian art. Even though it was created in the late 19th century, the artwork continues to captivate viewers with its intricate details and expressiveness.

Among the many figures depicted on the canvas, one Cossack stands out – bare-chested. What is the reason for his lack of upper clothing? There is a significant explanation behind it.

This character is a "bankomet," which refers to a person who deals cards during a game. According to the traditions of the Zaporizhian Sich, such individuals were expected to display complete openness and honesty. By removing his shirt, the bankomet demonstrated that he had no hidden intentions or means of deception, for instance, that he wouldn't pull a card from beneath the floor.

Next to the man, you can spot a deck of cards – an additional detail that reinforces his role. This is not merely an artistic element but a confirmation that even in ancient times, there were clear rules in gambling.

Earlier, "Telegraph" also reported on why the life and death of Ivan Pidkova are worthy of a blockbuster. The provocative ataman of the Cossacks did not fit into the foreign policy schemes of the king of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.