Vasnetsov Viktor Mikhailovich - a wonderful Russian artist. In the skill of writing historical and folk painting, he has no equal.
The whole world knows such creations as “Heroes”, “The Knight at the Crossroads”, “Alyonushka”. The painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" turned out by the artist, like an animated fairy tale on canvas. It was written according to the plot of a folk tale, when you look at it, childhood and beautiful stories about fairy-tale characters are immediately recalled. The main characters look as if they are now leaving the picture and rushing off into the distance.
Painting V.M. Vasnetsova "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf": the history of creation
It so happens that artists prepare to write their works long before the start of work, look at nature, tune in, so to speak, psychologically, but it happens quite the opposite - spontaneously. Just so, Vasnetsov’s painting “Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf” was not planned. 1889 was an artist designed to work in Kiev, where he painted the Vladimir Cathedral. Viktor Mikhailovich loved everything folk, and the plot of the picture was based on an excerpt from the well-known fairy tale created by the people, “Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf”. For the sake of its creation, the artist postponed his work in the cathedral. And, as it turned out, not in vain.
This work is one of the best in Russian art. On the canvas we see Ivan Tsarevich and Elena the Beautiful on the Gray Wolf, they rush through the terrible forest, running away from their pursuers, flowering trees and a happy future await them.
The main characters of the picture
The painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" presents us with its main characters: Tsarevich, Beautiful Elena and their faithful friend Gray Wolf.
Ivan Tsarevich, riding a Wolf, carefully and at the same time, hugs his beloved Elena the Beautiful. He is dressed in an expensive brocade caftan, belted with a green belt, on his hands patterned black gloves. The beautiful image of Tsarevich is complemented by a red cap on his head and red boots. The main character’s expression is very serious, with anxious eyes he peers into the distance, worried about whether the pursuers are catching up with the fugitives. After all, in his arms is his happiness, which he will not give to anyone in the world. A sword can be seen behind Ivan Tsarevich’s back, which indicates that the young man is always ready to fight for his love with a sword in his hands.
Next to her savior is Elena the Beautiful. The long hair of the Russian beauty flutters in the wind, this shows that they are rushing with great speed. Dressed girl in a beautiful silk dress in light blue with gold trim on the bottom and sleeves. On Elena’s neck there are beads of pearls, she’s shod in beautiful morocco boots, a hat with precious stones flaunts on her head. The beauty tilted her head to the chest of her lover, a thoughtful look. The girl humbly holds her hands in front of her, this suggests that the runaway entrusted her life to Tsarevich. Vasnetsov wrote Elena the Beautiful with his niece - Natalia Mamontova.
The Gray Wolf is depicted rushing at a tremendous speed forward, this can be seen throughout its image: ears are pressed, the tongue fell out of the mouth, eyes are full of anxiety and determination, there is no anger in them, a long fluffy tail flutters in the wind. Strong paws hovering in the air before the next jump, he must jump over the swamp in front of the heroes. It can be seen that the Gray Wolf is tired and is holding on with all his might to deliver a precious burden home.
“Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf”: description of Vasnetsov’s painting
The landscape depicted on the canvas emphasizes the anxiety of the fugitives. They rush against the background of the morning dawn, in front of them is a dark swamp, huge trees are around, through them a gray-lilac sky is slightly visible. But all this menacing picture is smoothed by the blossoming apple tree in front and beautiful swamp water lilies. The apple tree reminds us of the beginning of the tale, because it was with the golden apples that the adventures of the main characters began.
The painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" perfectly reflects the mood of the characters. They are alarmed, but at the same time full of hope for a brighter future. The white flowers of the apple tree are in perfect harmony with the outfit of Elena. A flowering tree is a symbol of the beginning of a new and beautiful - a new life, a new love ... The picture seems to flicker with a mysterious light, the audience gives the impression of the presence of a fabulous miracle and magic.
Viktor Vasnetsov created an animated fairy tale on canvas
The painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" once again shows the enormous talent of Viktor Vasnetsov. The master placed the heroes in such a way that the appearance of living fairy-tale characters is created. It seems that even a moment and the Gray Wolf, jumping out of the canvas, rush into the distance with his friends.
Fabulous beautiful canvas "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf"! The description of Vasnetsov’s painting is worthy of attention, it displays the struggle of two forces. The contrast of dark gloomy colors with light reflects the opposition of good and evil. Behind the heroes is continuous darkness, surrounded by darkness, which parted before the fugitives, and in front of a swamp, but not gloomy, but with water lilies and a blossoming apple tree. All taken together shows the victory of good over evil.
The fairy-tale canvas is currently in the State Tretyakov Gallery. Such masterpieces of art must be carefully preserved so that many more generations can admire these works of artists from God.