The national romantic line of Russian art is embodied in epic and fabulous images of the works of Viktor Vasnetsov. This theme dominates his paintings, architectural sketches and arts and crafts. And if you write an essay on the painting "Heroes" by Vasnetsov, this fact must also be mentioned.
For the Tretyakov Gallery, Viktor Mikhailovich is a special artist, since it was he who came up with the well-known facade of the famous museum. If we talk about the epic theme that Vasnetsov used in his work, “The Heroes” is one of his most famous paintings. And she deserves special attention.
The story of the creation of the next masterpiece
The first traditional question, which must necessarily be solved if you write an essay based on Vasnetsov’s “Heroes”, is the story of the creation of the work. The idea of ​​this canvas arose in the seventies of the nineteenth century. For Viktor Mikhailovich, the images of the three epic heroes were the completion of a whole cycle of works that he created almost throughout his life.
He devoted twenty-three years to this work. The previous paintings, which have earned positive criticism, are the equally famous painting “The Knight at the Crossroads” and the delicate watercolor “The Hero”. Finally, Victor Mikhailovich came to the creation of such a monumental, expressive and interesting work. What else needs to be mentioned to those who write an essay on the painting "Heroes" by Vasnetsov? What is unusual in this canvas and how it differs from others.
Features of the work of Viktor Mikhailovich
The image of this character was partially written by Victor Mikhailovich from a real person - peasant Ivan Petrov. But the energy and even some aggressiveness, pride Vasnetsov embodied in the image of Dobrynia Nikitich. In the picture, he had even half drawn his sword from its scabbard. Well, the trick is in the youngest hero of the canvas Alesha Popovich. This is expressed even in the choice of weapons. In two senior warriors, it is intended specifically for close combat. Alyosha, still a very young hero, has prepared a bow with arrows, because he is not yet capable of converging with a rather strong enemy in martial arts. M. Vasnetsov, whose “Bogatyrs” embodied people's dreams of defending soldiers, creating images, was able to concretize them quite interestingly. Each of the characters in the canvas can represent one or another facet of the Russian national character. In particular, calm, power and strength are inherent in the central hero - Ilya Muromets, the peasant son.
Vasnetsov. "Warriors": a description of additional elements in the work
Behind the heroes, Viktor Mikhailovich creates a collective image of Russian nature with gently curving hills, which are overgrown with spruce and pine forests. Here are feather grass steppes and gray stones. And the heroes themselves stand, as it were, slightly on a raised platform. And the viewer, looking at the canvas, perceives the three characters as if they protect not only the spaces of the Russian land that are behind them, but also himself.
After visiting Paris, Viktor Vasnetsov realized that Russian artists were no worse than French artists, and also realized the need to write on their own Russian topics. Many even before Vasnetsov went to realism, and already through it to nationalism. But Viktor Mikhailovich was the only one who touched on the theme of epics and fairy tales. He wanted to wake the people's memory. Then V.M. Vasnetsov set about writing his famous painting. "Athletes" is a famous painting, which he finished writing in 1898.
As the epics of Russian heroes describe
From early childhood, everyone is familiar with epic tales and knows three heroes, but their faces, in the minds of each person, are certainly connected with the picture of Victor Mikhailovich “The Athletes”. In the images of good fellows, the artist conveyed the entire contents of the epic works themselves, with which he was well acquainted. Suppose Alyosha Popovich was famous for a well-known trick and ingenuity, was among women in honor, and the prince was a famous adviser. This is precisely what the author was able to convey in his work.
Many contemporaries believed that Dobrynya succeeded Vasnetsov the least. Indeed, in all epics, he meets the word "young". And Viktor Mikhailovich portrayed him much older. But neither the epics nor the author lie. Dobrynia is really gentle and with a good soul, but all this brings him some trouble. And on the canvas, he left his personal troubles behind. The main thing now is a duty to the homeland.
The wisest hero
And if you write an essay on the painting "Heroes" by Vasnetsov, it is necessary to mention the most wise hero - Ilya Muromets. His strength is immense, but in vain the hero does not waste it. He learned patience and composure. He is in no hurry, peering at the green steppes on the canvas of Viktor Mikhailovich for a long time.
Here they are - Russian heroes. They represent the whole character of the Russian people to the judgment of the viewer. Each of the characters is individual, but together they represent a single whole, a common strength and power, and most importantly - invincibility.
Why is it necessary to write an essay based on a painting by Viktor Mikhailovich? First of all, it helps students to create texts in a certain form, collect material and systematize it. It teaches to develop creative activity and a sense of understanding of beauty. There is a special interest in creativity and painting. And most importantly, a sense of beauty and the correct perception of works of art develops.