Repin is known worldwide as a talented Russian artist. Repin's painting “Pushkin at the Lyceum Exam” has become one of the most famous works of the master. Written off from the poet himself, it strikes with the racy and accuracy of the image. The painting is rightfully considered one of the best that came out from under the artist’s brush.
About the history of appearance
The story behind the creation of Pushkin at the Lyceum Exam is amazing. Despite the disputes of historians, there is a very beautiful version of the creation of this painting, which was written on the basis of real historical events and accurately shows the process of certification of students of the lyceum in the 19th century. In addition to the fact that the figure depicts the figure of Alexander Sergeyevich himself, you can see the figure of G. Derzhavin, who is also a significant figure for Russian classical literature.
It was 1815, January. The Imperial Lyceum, which was located in Tsarskoye Selo, planned to conduct exams that Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin himself had to pass. He was only fifteen at that time. Amazing everyone present with his talent, which the poet proved by reciting the poem “Memoirs of Tsarskoye Selo”, the exam was successfully passed. Already after the judge, they said that everything that fills the real Russian soul was affected in the poem by Alexander Sergeyevich.
After many years, the Lyceum celebrated its anniversary - 100 years from the moment of opening. To this solemn event, Repin received an order for writing the canvas. The initiators of the order were members of the Lyceum. Repin was awarded such an honor because he differed from other artists in his interest not only in art, but also in literature.
Repin's undoubted talent
Even before writing the painting “Pushkin at the Lyceum Exam,” Repin was very fond of the work of Alexander Sergeyevich. He read a lot of literature about the poet. When the order was accepted, the artist enthusiastically began work on it. As later recalled by his friends and acquaintances, he became a real fan of such a famous and outstanding personality as Pushkin. Ilya Efimovich read all the literature, which contained any material from Pushkin's memories of Tsarskoye Selo and the Lyceum. This is precisely what caused such a stir that caused the canvas of the artist.
Description of the picture
"Pushkin at the Lyceum Exam" is a large canvas. The colors used by the master are bright and saturated. Repin's entire painting, “Pushkin at the Lyceum Exam,” fascinates with its color. Many details in the foreground and in the background are forced to peer into the canvas.
The impression on the painting "Pushkin at the Lyceum Exam", of course, is different for everyone. However, positive reviews far outweigh those that carry a negative assessment of the canvas.
What is depicted on the canvas?
The picture shows the moment of the exam, when Alexander Sergeyevich showed his talent to the public. The huge Lyceum hall, large marble columns, black and white slabs on the floor - all this speaks of the wealth and prestige of the educational institution. On the wall hangs a beautiful portrait of the emperor. The whole room is filled with people in expensive outfits and costumes. One can immediately see how much people were interested in the personality and talent of Pushkin.
In addition, according to the clothes of the guests who came to the performance of Alexander Sergeyevich, one can see that these people are typical representatives of the noble population. Lush dresses of ladies, expensive suits of men - everything speaks of wealth.
In the center of the hall is Alexander Pushkin himself at the time of the presentation of his legendary poem “Memoirs of Tsarskoye Selo”. The poet is depicted in a very theatrical pose - the left leg is pushed forward, the right hand rises to the sky. According to the expression depicted on the young man's face, one can say how emotionally the poet himself presented his creation to others.
To the left of the poet are depicted expensive oak tables at which examiners sit. Among the judges there is also a person who is known throughout the world for his literary talent - G.R. Derzhavin. The legendary poet is so surprised by the skill of Pushkin, who at that time was only fifteen years old, that he got up in order to better hear the young talent.
A few words about the composition
Speaking about Repin's painting “Pushkin at the Lyceum Exam”, it is important to say that the painting was written extremely realistically. In addition, it is written in the spirit of the classical style. Those who are fond of and versed in the fine arts, it is immediately clear that such a technique as the Golden Section is used in the picture. This can be seen from the way the figure of Pushkin is depicted on the right side of the picture. This is where the very golden section line runs. In addition, it is important to note how much the left side ideally retains its proportions. This can be seen if you pay attention to the location of Pushkin and Derzhavin and the space to the wall of the hall. The distance from the right edge of the canvas to the figure of Gabriel Romanovich is divided into two absolutely equal parts, the middle line of which passes through the figure of Alexander Sergeyevich.
The main character of the composition, its center, is a very young poet. All the free space of the lyceum hall belongs only to him. The most beautiful, epic, memorable pose of Pushkin tells everyone about the pride that the poet feels when he talks about Tsarskoye Selo.
If we talk about the background, you can see that not one of the guests present can see the face. Only bright and rich clothes, clear figures are striking.
Repeated attempts by the artist
The fact is known that Repin did not immediately succeed in portraying Alexander Pushkin as he wanted to. He worked on the canvas for several years. There were many attempts to portray the poet: from one perspective, from another, near the river in the morning or evening. There were a huge number of possible variations of passing this exam. Repin constantly did not like what came out in the end. He portrayed Pushkin with different facial expressions, but, according to the artist, all this was “not that”. As later remembered Repin's friend Korney Chukovsky, the artist depicted on the canvases so many faces that this number would be enough to fill an absolutely empty city.