Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov can truly be called a national artist. The main direction of his paintings relates to the epic-historical genre. The artist is one of the most famous in the world. There is not a single educated person who does not know the name of Vasnetsov’s paintings.
Painting "Ivan Tsarevich on a gray wolf"
The work was written in 1889. The author was inspired by the fairy tale of the same name. The painting depicts a wolf that carries away from the pursuit of Tsarevich and Helen the Beautiful saved by him. Ivan looks around warily, and the girl, subdued and frightened by what is happening, does not look up.
The attention is drawn to the human eye of a wolf. He is full of courage, will and hope of victory. In the tale, the wolf plays the role of a positive character, who is a loyal friend of Ivan Tsarevich. He soars over the swamps, taking a couple in love from danger. Blossoming apple tree and lilies, which grow in the middle of a swampy area, seem a little strange. Thus, the author of the canvas sends us to get acquainted with the plot of the tale. After all, it was with golden apples that the adventures of the main characters began.
The canvas, like many other works by the artist, is in the Moscow State Tretyakov Gallery. Here you can touch the beautiful world of painting, enjoy amazing works, find out the name of Vasnetsov’s paintings. Guides will tell you the story of each canvas.
"Heroes"
There is no other artist who would be so devoted to the genre of mythological painting, in which Vasnetsov painted. The names of most of them are associated with Russian folk tales and epics. For example, the author worked on the canvas "Athletes" for about 30 years. Vasnetsov made his first pencil sketch in 1871. It was finished in 1898. Soon, P. M. Tretyakov bought it for his gallery.
Three epic heroes are looking at us from the canvas: Dobrynya Nikitych, Ilya Muromets, Alyosha Popovich. Large figures of soldiers symbolize the strength and power of the Russian people. The overall impression is also facilitated by the impressive size of the painting itself (295x446 cm).
Dobrynya Nikitich, according to legend, was an educated man with thin, aristocratic features. Unusual abilities were also attributed to him, it was believed that the armor on his shoulders was charmed from an enemy sword.
Ilya Muromets, located in the middle of the canvas, is not only an epic character, but also a real historical person. His biography and exploits are events that actually happened.
Alyosha Popovich is the youngest and most slender among the warriors. A harp is tied to his saddle, which suggests that he is not only a brave warrior, but also a musician and a merry man by nature.
"Alyonushka"
If possible, visit the Tretyakov Gallery with children. Own imagination easily takes the child into a fairy tale, albeit in oil. Tell them the name of Vasnetsov’s paintings. Children especially like the canvas, which depicts Alyonushka.
The author of the fairy tale “About Sister Alyonushka and Brother Ivanushka” inspired the author to create this work. Vasnetsov himself said that the image of a very young girl had long settled in his head. The picture was born after he met a similar person in Akhtyrka. A simple-haired, modestly dressed girl with melancholy and loneliness in her eyes amazed the painter. The original name of the painting is "Little Alyonushka." In those days, this word did not mean a lack of mental abilities, but a complete orphanage.
All over the world, they love and know Vasnetsov’s paintings. Photos with names are brought from Russia by foreign tourists. Reproductions often adorn the walls of kindergartens and clinics. “Princess Nesmeyana”, “Gamayun”, “Princess Frog”, “Book Shop”, “Carpet-plane” and many others are not just fairy tales, but the name of the paintings. Vasnetsova did not care about the originality of the name of the canvas. He was more concerned about how much his work could transfer to the wizarding world.