Vasnetsov's picture "The Bogatyrs": the whole Rus on one canvas

Vasnetsov's painting "Bogatyri" is today known to modern children more than others, because of her motives several animated films were shot. Children, and adults, with pleasure watching the screen adventures of Alesha Popovich, solid Ilya Muromets and the cultural, prudent Dobrynya Nikitich. A few people know the story of the painting. Just as few people think about the true meaning of the picture today.

A few words about the history of the idea

The picture "Bogatyri" Vasnetsov is his biggest creation in both physical (the size of the painting is 295x446 cm) and in the temporary (the artist wrote it almost 20 years), and in the historical. The heroes embody the whole of ancient Russia with the diversity of its estates, their love for their native land and their readiness to defend the Motherland. The description of the picture "Bogatyri" Vasnetsov, given by the artist himself, sounds very simple. In his letter to PP Chistyakov, he only points out that the three main heroes of the Russian epic are in the field and notice whether there is an enemy there, or if he does not offend anyone. Vasnetsov describes the poses of heroes. Ilya Muromets, the oldest one, looks into the distance, covering his eyes with the palm of his hand. He is so strong, the attentive spectator notices that a huge stick hanging on his hand seems quite easy. In the other hand the epic hero holds a spear. About the willingness of Dobryny Nikitich (he left) to immediately rush into battle witness sword, half taken out of its scabbard. Young and slender in comparison with other Alyosha Popovich is armed with a bow and arrows. Vasnetsov's painting "Bogatyri" is written as if the artist was looking at her characters 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, which is howling from the picture?

Features of the picture

Vasnetsov's picture "Bogatyri" shows how much the landscape painted by the artist is consonant with the mood of the heroes.

The wind waved the steppe feather grass and the manes of horses. Cloudy, disturbing, with clouds running across it, the sky emphasizes the mood of the heroes who are in danger.

The state of anxiety and the bird of prey that soars in the sky, and the scorched earth by the hoarse sun, under the hoofs of horses, complete the state of alarm. The landscape seems spiritualized. Vasnetsov's picture "Bogatyri" shows the unity of Rusich. In one row, the patriarch of the country is a native of the common people, Ilya Muromets, the priest's son Alesha, a representative of the cultural and "knowing" part of the population of Dobrynia. The first, full of "goodness and good nature" is distinguished by confident strength, calmness, life experience. Alyosha, young, brave, a great inventor and a shirt-guy, full of courage, his eyes are burning with courage. The subtle, thoroughbred features of Dobryni indicate his education, culture. On the face it is visible, that diplomat Dobrynia is dodgy by mind and is ready to carry out the most difficult tasks. Solemn, majestic and at the same time severe, three legendary heroes personify the Russian power, strength and greatness of the people.