Valentin Aleksandrovich Serov - master of creating paintings on a historical theme. In his works, he emphasized the greatness of the Russian people and their difficult fate, praised the great statesmen. The painting "Peter 1" is a vivid example of this.
History of creation
Famous book publisher I.N. Knebel was preparing to release a series of books on Russian history. Being familiar with Serov, he invited the artist to paint a picture on a historical theme, which could illustrate one of the chapters. Serov gladly responded to this proposal, because the personality of Peter the Great has long admired the artist.
Then followed a series of sketches and sketches. V. Serov sought to convey the greatness of Peter and the city he created. So in 1907, the painting "Peter 1" was created.
Description of the picture
The background of the painting illustrates the panorama of St. Petersburg. The river and the buildings and structures lined along it look like decorations, against which the figure of the king is exalted. There are no buildings yet - only the foundations of buildings are visible, there is no embankment - only the earth is poured in its place.
In fact, the Peter and Paul Cathedral depicted on the canvas will be built a decade after the death of Peter. Having depicted him, Serov emphasized how the king’s projects were implemented even after he left. Similarly, ships that can be seen in the distance raise sails only in the king’s thoughts. This is only the beginning, the prototype of the Admiralty.
The sovereign steps hard and confidently. His whole figure is directed forward, into the future. The wind is blowing in the face, but it continues to walk. Tsar Peter 1 leads a group of people. Serov’s painting emphasizes his greatness in contrast with the bent figures of the frozen nobles, wrapping themselves in warm clothes. They hide their faces from the rain. Traits are indistinguishable, they follow the king with a common mass.
Details and Symbolism
The artist’s work accurately conveys the atmosphere of reforms and transformations, the scale of which is still impressive. The painting "Peter 1" is made without the use of bright colors and shades. Thus, the harsh reality of those times is emphasized. There are few small details - the main emphasis is on the main character. Drawn details of clothing, decoration of Peter the Great Reformer. Tightly packed pockets stand out. This is a symbol of the sovereign's involvement not only in the design of the city, but also in its direct creation.
Interesting from the point of view of artistic expression, a cow that drinks water from a river. Metaphorically, it conveys everyday life, which is established by people who settled on the banks of the Neva . It’s possible to guess that the Baltic is very close by seagulls soaring in the sky. Access to the sea is the expansion of trade space, the prospect of economic development of the state. All the details that the painting “Peter 1” conveys indicate the beginning of a new stage in the development of Russia, the irreversibility of change. However, there is no pathos in the image of Peter, there is the strength and power of the ruler, leading the whole country into the future.
We examined the work of Serov "Peter 1". Pictures of artists who worked in the same genre noticeably fade against its background. The greatness of the ruler is skillfully conveyed in a famous masterpiece.