Vasnetsov’s painting “The Heroes” is known to modern children today more than others, because several animated films were shot based on its motives.
Children and adults alike are happy to follow the on-screen adventures of Alyosha Popovich, the respectable Ilya Muromets and the cultural, prudent Dobrynia Nikitich. But the story of the appearance of the picture, few know. Just as few think today about the true meaning of the picture.
A few words about the history of design
Vasnetsov's painting “The Heroes” is his largest creation both in the physical (dimensions of the painting 295x446 cm) and temporary, (the artist painted it for almost 20 years), and historical. The heroes personify the whole of Ancient Russia with the diversity of its classes, their love for their native land and their willingness to defend their homeland.
Description of the painting "Heroes" Vasnetsov, given by the artist himself, sounds very simple. In his letter to P.P. Chistyakov, he only indicates that the three main characters of the Russian epics stand in the field and note whether there is an enemy there, whether he offends anyone. Vasnetsov describes the poses of the heroes. Ilya Muromets, the oldest, looks into the distance, covering his eyes with his hand. He is so strong, an attentive viewer observes that the huge club hanging on his arm seems quite light. In the other hand the epic hero holds a spear. The readiness of Dobrynia Nikitich (he is on the left) to rush into battle immediately is evidenced by a sword half drawn from its sheath. Young and slim compared to others, Alyosha Popovich is armed with a bow and arrow. Vasnetsov’s painting “The Heroes” is written as if the artist looked at her heroes a little from below. This technique allowed the author to convey the solemnity, power and strength of the main characters of the Russian epic.
But how did the artist manage to convey the state of danger that blows from the picture?
Features of the picture
Vasnetsov's painting “The Heroes” shows how the landscape painted by the artist is in tune with the mood of the heroes.
The wind waves the steppe feather grass and the mane of horses. Overcast, anxious, with clouds running across it, the sky underlines the mood of the warriors awaiting danger.
The state of anxiety is supplemented by a bird of prey, soaring in the sky, and the earth scorched by the evil scorching sun under the hooves of horses. The landscape seems spiritualized. Vasnetsov's painting “The Heroes” shows the unity of the Russians. Ilya Muromets, a priest’s son Alyosha, a representative of the cultural and “leading” part of the population of Dobrynya, is on the guard of the Fatherland. The first one, full of “goodness and good nature” is distinguished by confident strength, calmness, life experience. Alyosha, a young, brave, big inventor and a shirt-guy, is full of courage, his eyes burn with courage. The subtle, thoroughbred features of Dobrynia testify to his education, culture. It can be seen from the face that the diplomat Dobrynya is dodgy and ready to perform the most difficult tasks. Solemn, majestic and at the same time severe, the three legendary heroes personify Russian power, strength and greatness of the people.