Essay-description of Vasnetsov’s painting “Bogatyrs”
Contemporaries about the painting “Bogatyrs”.
His knights and heroes, resurrecting the very atmosphere of Ancient Rus', instilled in me a feeling of great power and savagery - physical and spiritual. Viktor Vasnetsov’s work was reminiscent of “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign.” Unforgettable on their mighty horses are these stern, frowning knights, looking from under their mittens into the distance - not at crossroads...
V. M. Vasilenko. "Bogatyrs".
The grass stems are turning red. The hills are steep and bare.
Above them the clouds are silent. From above
The eagles are descending. Ivy entwined
Steep mountain slopes. And naked in the blue haze.
The ravines are deep. And strange verbs
Sometimes in the depths of their thickets one can hear:
The wind is spinning, the honey spirit of spring
Filled everything around - both sweet and heavy.
The shields glow like gold in the sun.
The heroes look into the distance of the steppe, into the desert:
Ilya is a peasant son, Alyosha and Dobrynya!
And their horses are silent. There are flowers at the horse's feet
Spread out, trembling. The herbs smell like wormwood.
The heroes stand at the Kyiv outpost.
F. I. Shalyapin. "Mask and Soul". 1932.
Vasnetsov painted the painting Three Bogatyrs in 1898; he worked on this truly original Russian painting masterpiece for about twenty years. Three heroes proudly stand on a hilly plain under the gloomy cloudy sky of their homeland; at any moment our heroes are ready to repel the enemy and defend their beloved homeland, Mother Rus'. If today this picture of three heroes consists of two words, then Vasnetsov’s title of the picture was quite long, as the master himself intended: Bogatyrs Alyosha Popovich Ilya Muromets and Dobrynya Nikitich.
Ilya Muromets is our epic hero, he is the strongest and wisest on a black horse, peering into the distance from under his muscular arm, from which hangs a heavy damask club, in his other hand, a sharp spear at the ready. To the left of Ilya Muromets, on a white horse, Dobrynya Nikitich menacingly takes out his heavy heroic sword. Just the sight of these first two heroes may make the enemy flinch and turn back. To the right of Ilya Muromets, Alyosha Popovich sits on a red-golden horse, holding in his hands a well-aimed bow, the arrow of which no enemy can dodge, his strength lies in his cunning and ingenuity. This Great Russian trio will never be bored with him; during rest hours he can even play the harp. The characters of the Three Heroes are conveyed by Vasnetsov truly indisputably; they reflect a majestic calm in which there is a spirit of a just cause, which no one is allowed to stop.
The painting of the three heroes is the most significant in Vasnetsov’s work; in Russian painting, no artist has gone so deep. like Vasnetsov, giving himself completely to epic stories. After finishing this work, the work with three heroes was bought by Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov and today the masterpiece is in the Tretyakov Gallery.
The painting by V. M. Vasnetsov depicts three heroes. Bogatyrs are powerful, brave people, defenders of the fatherland. They vigilantly look into the distance, as they guard the borders of Rus'. And these three mighty men are ready to enter into battle with the enemies of Rus' at any moment. They fulfill their heroic duty and are confident in the rightness of their cause. The expression on their faces is serious, cold-blooded, their gaze is menacing. These three heroes are called Dobrynya Nikitich, Ilya Muromets and Alyosha Popovich. All these daredevils are full of dignity, majestic and very collected, ready to fight at any moment not for life or death. They are very confident in themselves and are ready to die for Rus'.
Ilya Muromets - the hero of epics - is located in the very center of the picture. A peasant son from the village of Karacharovo from the city of Muromlya is the eldest and mightiest hero. He is not rich, but it is clear from him that he does not need wealth. He is dressed simply. Ilya Muromets is wearing simple chain mail, a rough gray mitten and the most ordinary boots that match the color of his brown pants. He easily holds a club that weighs more than four hundred kilograms. Also, Ilya Muromets holds a large spear, which is placed in the center of the picture, this suggests that he can cope with such a large weapon. His peasant origins are evident from his face. It is wide with large cheekbones. He looks to the side vigilantly. His eyes are very serious and his eyebrows are furrowed. Ilya Muromets sits on a mighty black horse. His horse is as heavy as the earth and very beautiful. This horse matches his owner. The horse's harness is beautiful, and it seems that when he gallops, a bell is ringing. The horse looks with slight reproach in the same direction as the owner. I think that Ilya Muromets takes good care of his horse, as he is well-groomed, vigorous and large.
Dobrynya Nikitich - the son of the Ryazan prince - is to the left of Ilya Muromets. He's rich. He wears rich chain mail, his shield is decorated with pearls, a golden scabbard and the hilt of his sword. His eagle gaze is stern. His beard is well-groomed and long. He's a visionary. Dobrynya Nikitich is younger than Ilya Muromets. His horse is beautiful and white. His harness looks great on him, and besides, it is very rich. The horse's mane, like a woman's hair, is well-groomed and flutters in the wind. Some epics say that the horse's name is Beleyushka. This horse is as fast as the wind. It seems to tell the owner that the enemy is close.
Alyosha Popovich was born into the family of a priest. He is not dressed richly, but not poorly either. His chain mail and helmet shine. He is the youngest and without a beard. Alyosha is thin. His gaze squints slightly to the side. His gaze is sly, as it seems that he is planning some kind of trick. He holds his favorite weapon - a bow. His bow is explosive, the string is red-hot, and his arrow is fast. He carries a harp with him. Alyosha Popovich is sitting on a red horse with a white spot on his forehead. His mane is light, beautiful and well-groomed. The hero's horse is hot as fire.
I think that Vasnetsov managed to convey the anxiety of that historical time when heroic outposts existed in Rus' through heavy clouds and thunderclouds over Russia. Also through a strong wind, which is visible in the fluttering of the horses’ manes and tails and in the swaying grass.
I believe that the artist shows the power of the heroes and creates the monumentality of their images, since they occupy a huge area in the picture. Vasnetsov also raises the horizon line, and the horse figures go into the sky. Vasnetsov depicted the Christmas trees as small and the heroes as large, and this creates a contrast between the Christmas trees and large figures and emphasizes the power of the heroes.
Bogatyrs. (Three heroes) - Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov. 1898. Oil on canvas. 295.3x446
The painting “Bogatyrs” by Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov is rightfully considered a real folk masterpiece and a symbol of Russian art. The picture was created in the second half of the 19th century, when the theme of folk culture and Russian folklore was very popular among people. For many artists, this hobby turned out to be short-lived, but for Vasnetsov, folklore themes became the basis of all creativity.
The painting “Bogatyrs” depicts three Russian heroes: Ilya Muromets, Dobrynya Nikitich and Alyosha Popovich - famous heroes of folk epics.
The gigantic figures of heroes and their horses, located in the foreground of the picture, symbolize the strength and power of the Russian people. This impression is also facilitated by the impressive dimensions of the painting - 295x446 cm.
The artist worked on the creation of this painting for almost 30 years. In 1871, the first sketch of the plot in pencil was created, and since then the artist has been captivated by the idea of creating this picture. In 1876, the famous sketch was made with the basis of the compositional solution already found. Work on the painting itself lasted from 1881 to 1898. The finished painting was bought by P. Tretyakov, and it still adorns the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.
In the center of the picture is Ilya Muromets, a people's favorite, hero of Russian epics. Not everyone knows that Ilya Muromets is not a fairy-tale character, but a real historical figure. The story of his life and military exploits are real events. Subsequently, having completed his work to protect his homeland, he became a monk of the Kiev Pechersk Monastery. He was canonized. Vasnetsov knew these facts when creating the image of Ilya Muromets. “Ilya Muromets is a seasoned man,” says the epic. And in Vasnetsov’s painting we see a mighty warrior and, at the same time, an ingenuous, open person. He combines gigantic strength and generosity. “And the horse under Ilya is a fierce beast,” the legend continues. The powerful figure of a horse, depicted in the picture with a massive metal chain instead of a harness, testifies to this.
Dobrynya Nikitich, according to folk legends, was a very educated and courageous person. Many miracles are associated with his personality, for example, enchanted armor on his shoulders, a magical treasure sword. Dobrynya is depicted as in the epics - stately, with subtle, noble facial features, emphasizing his culture and education, resolutely drawing his sword from its sheath with a readiness to rush into battle, defending his homeland.
Alyosha Popovich is young and slender compared to his comrades. He is depicted with a bow and arrows in his hands, but the harp attached to the saddle indicates that he is not only a fearless warrior, but also a psaltery player, a songwriter, and a merry fellow. There are many details in the picture that characterize the images of its characters.
The horse teams, clothing, and ammunition are not fictional. The artist saw such examples in museums and read their descriptions in historical literature. The artist masterfully conveys the state of nature, as if foreshadowing the onset of danger. But the heroes represent a reliable and powerful force of defenders of their native land.
"Bogatyrs"- painting by Viktor Vasnetsov. The common title of the painting, “Three Heroes,” is incorrect. Vasnetsov worked on the painting for almost twenty years. On April 23, 1898, it was completed and was soon purchased by P. M. Tretyakov for his gallery.
“Three heroes” description of Vasnetsov’s painting
V.M. Vasnetsov himself (in a letter to P.P. Chistyakov) described the picture as follows: “The heroes Dobrynya, Ilya and Alyosha Popovich are on a heroic outing - they are noticing in the field whether there is an enemy somewhere, are they offending anyone somewhere?”
The painting depicts three heroes - Dobrynya Nikitich, Ilya Muromets and Alyosha Popovich (the main characters of Russian epics). The gigantic figures of heroes and their horses, located in the foreground of the picture, symbolize the strength and power of the Russian people. The impressive dimensions of the painting—295x446 cm—contribute to this impression.
In the middle on a black horse Ilya Muromets, looks into the distance from under his palm, in one hand the hero has a spear and shield, in the other a damask club. Powerful strength, wisdom and endurance are felt throughout his appearance. Muromets has a noble Russian face, clear, sharp eyes, a straight nose, a strong-willed mouth with tightly compressed lips, a thick beard streaked with gray. Ilya sits in a Circassian saddle. The horse stands and slightly shakes its bells under its bangs, angrily squinting its eyes towards the enemy. He is dressed in iron chain mail and has a helmet on his head. From under a patterned mitten, Ilya peers vigilantly into the steppe distance, towards his nomadic enemies. He is ready for battle, but is in no hurry: he even freed his leg from the stirrup.
Left on a white horse Nikitich, takes the sword out of its sheath, ready to rush into battle at any moment. Dobrynya’s facial features resemble the artist Viktor Vasnetsov himself; the type of hero’s face is characteristic of Russian people. He is dressed richly and elegantly. On top of the chain mail is precious princely armor, a shield made of expensive red metal inlaid with gold, a patterned high helmet, elegant turquoise-colored boots. Dobrynya is not as calm and reasonable as Ilya Muromets. He impatiently clutches the hilt of his sword, half out of its scabbard; legs in stirrups, eyes keenly peering into the distance, he is ready to rush into battle at any moment. Ilya is the eldest, without his order the outpost will not move. If Ilya removes the spear, it means that Dobrynya can rush at the enemy.
On the right on a horse of red color Alesha Popovich holding a bow and arrows in his hands. Compared to his comrades, he is young and slender. The beardless face is youthfully pretty.Alyosha Popovich has a quiver at his side, and his slender figure is girded with a wide gold belt.The red horse on which Alyosha Popovich sits lowered his head low, intending to nibble the steppe grass, but his ears perked up - he was waiting for a command.
The heroes are depicted against the backdrop of a harsh steppe landscape, their heads and shoulders rise above the horizon, making the heroes seem even more powerful and significant. The symmetrical arrangement of the figures, the stability of the composition, the deliberate constraint in their movements (for the time being) convey the unity of the heroes, united by a common desire - not to let the enemy into the borders of Rus'.
The steppe is covered with thick feather grass. Over the distant hilly chain of hills with copses hung a low sky, cloudy and alarming, signifying the danger threatening the heroes.
Painting by V.M. Vasnetsov “Bogatyrs” is a monument to the military glory of the Russian people. The artist managed to convey in his work the popular understanding of the images of heroes; This is the strength and persuasiveness of the picture.
- The prototype for Ilya Muromets was the peasant of the Vladimir province Ivan Petrov (later a cab driver in the village of Bolshie Mytishchi), whom Vasnetsov captured in a sketch in 1883.
- In the epics, Dobrynya is always young, like Alyosha, but for some reason Vasnetsov portrayed him as a mature man with a luxurious beard. Some researchers believe that Dobrynya’s facial features resemble the artist himself.
- The picture gave rise to a large number of jokes and stage miniatures
Victor Vasnetsov’s painting “Bogatyrs” is the artist’s most popular work. It is also, perhaps, considered the most famous canvas in Russian painting. Her reproductions are found in frames on the walls, in illustrated publications, in textbooks...
True, this picture, familiar and understandable to each of us from childhood, took 27 years to paint. It began with a pencil sketch created in 1871, and then the artist made a sketch in Paris in 1876. He completed the painting only in 1898.
A few words about Vasnetsov
The artist's father was a priest. Victor was born in the Vyatka region, then in this place they sacredly revered:The child’s imagination was filled with the poetics of epics, songs and fairy tales. When Vasnetsov studied at the Academy of Arts, he studied heroic epics and the history of the Russian people with great interest. His first work was the work “The Knight”. On it he depicted a calm hero who guarded the border.
In addition, Vasnetsov liked to work on illustrations for such fairy tales as “The Firebird” and “The Little Humpbacked Horse.” This passion made him a painting star. The artist's paintings reproduce a strong national spirit and convey the meaning of Russian history.
The ingenious painting “Heroes” was written in the village of Abramtsevo, which is located in the Moscow region. Nowadays many people call this picture “Three Heroes”.
Who is depicted on it?
In the picture you can see mighty and strong horsemen defending Rus' - Alyosha Popovich, Ilya Muromets and Dobrynya Nikitich. The master painted it from models who were dressed in chain mail.
In the role of Dobrynya Nikitich, he combined portrait images of V.D. Polenov and father, and also added his own features. A simple peasant from Vladimir posed in the image of Muromets. But Alyosha Popovich was a young peasant.
Their images are perfectly chosen and perfectly convey the characters of the riders. In the picture you can also see the behavior of the horses. For example, Ilya’s heroic horse looks ahead with a bloodshot eye. The white horse of the cunning and polite Dobrynya looks into the distance, and the red horse of the brave Alyosha nibbles the green grass, looking in different directions.
The secret meaning of the picture
Vasnetsov in this brilliant work was able to resurrect the powerful images of the defenders of Rus'. The heroes depicted on it understand exactly why they came to the border, whose lives and peace they protect. Their figures on horseback rise similarly to mountains. The artist wanted everyone to see the past of the Russian people and the great future, for which they still have to fight.
1881 Oil on canvas. 295 x 446 cm. Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia.
Description of the painting by Vasnetsov V.M. "Bogatyrs"
Viktor Vasnetsov devoted about 30 years of his life and work to creating a painting that later became his most recognizable work. The defenders and guardians of the Russian people - “Bogatyrs” - everyone knows them exactly as they appeared on the canvas of the great master of epic stories.
In an open field, on the border of the Russian land, the heroes are closely watching to see if an insidious enemy is lurking somewhere and if they are offending the weak. These are them - the three main characters of epic tales - Ilya Muromets, Alyosha Popovich and Dobrynya Nikitich.
Ilya Muromets is depicted in the center. Mighty and strong, he examines his native expanses, looking for an enemy, whom he is always ready to fight back. The hero is so strong that he does not seem to feel the weight of the forty-pound club hanging on his hand raised to his forehead. His remarkable strength is surprisingly combined with the breadth of his soul and the kindness of his open heart to people. Ilya Muromets is a real historical figure, and the tales of his unprecedented exploits are a true chronicle of life. Later, the hero became a monk of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra and now his name can be found among all the saints. Vasnetsov based Ilya Muromets on the simple peasant Ivan Petrov, a strong and tall man, kind and sincere - like the hero himself.
On the right hand of Ilya Muromets is depicted the educated and courageous Dobrynya Nikitich. He is always ready to protect his native land from the adversary - his sword is already half out of its sheath. Only he is wearing a golden cross. By this, Vasnetsov reminds that his Dobrynya is connected with the legendary commander of the army of Vladimir, the prince of Kyiv and the baptizer of Rus'. The hero became for the artist the embodiment of the collective image of the Vasnetsov family: himself, his father and uncle. It is no coincidence that researchers of the master’s work noted the similarity in appearance of Dobrynya and the artist.
The youngest is Alyosha Popovich. A brave and dexterous slender young man can overcome the enemy by force, cunning and even deception. His prototype was the son of Savva Mamontov, who died at an early age. This cheerful and sociable man gave his mischievous disposition to the young hero - the artist transferred these traits of his character to the picture.
Each of the heroes is ready to repel the enemy’s attack at any moment - Ilya Muromets firmly holds the spear, Dobrynya Nikitich holds the sword, and Alyosha Popovich has already put an arrow in the bow. The helmets on their heads are similar to the domes of Orthodox churches and act as a symbol of a just cause, blessed deeds for the good of the people.
The horses match the riders. Only a metal chain can hold Ilya’s huge funnel. Powerful and strong, he complements the greatness of the image of his owner, to whom he will be devoted to the end. Dobrynya has a proud, dignified horse, neighing alarmingly to warn the rider of possible danger. And Alyosha’s fiery horse is ready to rush into battle, seething with youthful enthusiasm and energy.
It was not without reason that the epic heroes joined forces. A storm is approaching. Clouds driven from afar by a gusty wind, swaying grasses, and fluttering manes of horses do not promise anything good. But the defenders are here, ready to meet the enemy.
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