Vasnetsov Viktor Mikhailovich is called the discoverer. He was the first artist to depict scenes from fairy tales, Russian epics, poems and poems.
The artist’s homeland is the small village of Lopyal in the Vyatka province. From childhood, Victor talked with "ordinary people." However, he himself was not distinguished by a high origin. His father was a priest.
They didn’t live richly, but parents tried to give their children what much more money is valued - education. Vasnetsov studied at a theological seminary, along the way he took drawing lessons from one of the teachers - Chernyshov. He then advised the young man to seriously think about the profession of an artist. Vasnetsov went to St. Petersburg, began to study and do what he loves.
The work of Viktor Mikhailovich is quite controversial. It took him a while to find himself. At first he painted pictures on everyday topics, then the subject of his interest was historical facts and plots from fairy tales and epics.
In the 1890s, the artist became interested in a religious theme, began to paint temples. Nevertheless, real fame brought him pictures. Below is a rating of the most famous paintings by Vasnetsov with photos and names.
10. The Three Princesses of the Underworld
Composition "Three princesses of the underworld" written according to the plot of the Russian folk tale of the three princesses in 1881. True, Vasnetsov took the liberty and remade it a bit.
It was understood that the painting would adorn the office of the Donetsk Railway, so the artist added a new character - the coal princess. Unfortunately, the work was not accepted, as they considered it unsuitable for the office building.
Each princess represents some kind of industry: copper, gold and coal. The picture has many symbols and signs, the Russian folk tale takes on a different meaning.
9. Sirin and Alkonost
There is a Slavic belief about two birds. Black Sirin brings bad news, longing and sadness. Bright Alkonost brings joy and pleasure. They fly to the apple orchard during the holiday - Apple Savior.
In the famous picture "Sirin and Alkonost" the artist managed to create unusual colorful and vivid images of birds. Sirin symbolizes the past, Alkonost - the future. The same birds accompany each person, equalizing his grief and joy, bringing harmony into his life.
8. After the battle of Igor Svyatoslavich with the Polovtsy
The plot for the famous picture "After the battle of Igor Svyatoslavich with the Polovtsy" the battle became, or rather its outcome.
On the field are the bodies of dead soldiers. Very young and experienced, Polovtsy and Rusich - all are equal before death. She reconciled them, reassured. No longer need weapons, but the war continues. Now vultures enter the battle, they are fighting for prey.
The artist depicted here not only death, but also nature, which continues to live, no matter what. This picture has become a symbol of the courage of the Russian people, Vasnetsov is proud of their feat. May they not be able to win in this battle, one should always hope for the best.
7. Tsarevna Nesmeyana
Above the picture "Princess Nesmeyana" Vasnetsov worked for 10 years, from 1916 to 1926. The plot was a scene from a fairy tale of the same name.
A young girl sits propping her head. She is sad, she does not want anything. Around her there is a huge crowd: buffoons, a doctor, a grandmother, a witch, overseas ambassadors. No one can cheer her up.
Some art historians are of the opinion that with this canvas Vasnetsov tried to show the true situation of Russia.
Each person perceives the “Princess Nesmeyana” in his own way, you can simply enjoy this work of the artist and not look for the deepest meaning in it.
Nevertheless, attention should be paid to the details. With the help of them, Vasnetsov managed to repulse the gap between the Princess and the rest of the characters in the picture.
6. Oleg’s meeting with the magician
Vasnetsov painted “Oleg’s meeting with the magician” in 1899. At that time, he was engaged in the design of Pushkin’s famous poem “A Song about the Things Oleg”, created illustrations.
Prince Oleg and his army stand on the edge of the forest, opposite the old man - the sorcerer. He tells them something important, it is clear that the elder is not at all afraid of the prince and his soldiers.
Oleg is thoughtful and focused, he carefully listens to the magician. He does not like this prediction at all.
Interesting fact: 2010, Vasnetsov’s watercolor was implicated in the scandal. Alexey Dobrovolsky, who has unusual outlooks on life, used this image for the cover of his book. The book was recognized as extremist, the cover too. In 2011, the judges gave a rebuttal. It turned out that the court did not submit a request for an examination of the picture by psychologists. Fortunately, the artist will never know that his painting was considered involved in extremism.
5. Alyonushka
Picture "Alyonushka" was written in 1871. The artist was inspired by nature at the Vorya river in the Sergiev Posad district and the pond of the village of Akhtyrka.
Vasnetsov said that the picture had long “lived in his head”, but there was no clear idea. It appeared when Viktor Mikhailovich met an ordinary girl in the village. She struck his imagination. To translate his plan into reality, the artist took one year.
After some time, for most people, the picture began to be associated with the tale of Sister Alyonushka and brother Ivanushka.
Vasnetsov masterfully managed to convey the feelings of the heroine. It is sadness and sadness, even the surrounding nature is calm and motionless. Nevertheless, there is a place for hope, it is symbolized by a group of swallows that are circling above Alyonushka’s head.
4. Tsar Ivan the Terrible
Canvas "Tsar Ivan the Terrible" created in 1897. Vasnetsov portrayed the king, who is walking around the palace. Around it is expensive decoration, wealth and luxury.
Under the feet is a red carpet that symbolizes blood. On the track is the emblem of the state. Another moment, and Ivan the Terrible will step on him. In this way, the artist shows that the king was able to bend the whole country under himself and change a lot in it.
Ivan the Terrible Vasnetsov portrays as a wise king. In his opinion, he was a harsh ruler, but he did not have rage, causeless cruelty.
3. Ivan Tsarevich on the gray wolf
Year of creation - 1989. Picture "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" consider the most fabulous among all works of Russian fine art.
Ivan kidnaps Elena the Beautiful and hides from the kidnappers on a huge gray wolf.
The artist was able to do the impossible, he filled the picture with a miracle, a fairy tale. All this thanks to various details: the amazing color of the hair of a wolf, an apple tree in the forest, bright outfits of heroes.
2. Athletes
"Heroes" - one of Vasnetsov’s most famous paintings, a symbol of Russian art. It was written in 1898.
Three heroes are depicted here, each of them symbolizes the features of the Russian people. Ilya Muromets smart and unhurried, these are the traditions of the people, their experience and strength.
Dobrynya Nikitich embodies a proud spirit and desire to protect his homeland from offenders. Alyosha Popovich - youth and beauty, love of beauty, cheerful disposition.
Vasnetsov worked on his painting for about two decades, but this time was not wasted, he created a real masterpiece.
1. The Knight at the Crossroads
Year of creation "The Knight at the Crossroads" - 1882, the first sketches appeared in 1872.
The painting depicts a knight who cannot decide which way he should choose. He is saddened by prophecy, bowed his head.
Vasnetsov was often compared with this hero. The artist seemed to get away from problems and plunged into a fairy tale. He was not worried about ostracocial topics and other problems of that time.
The plot of this picture was reproduced on the tombstone of Viktor Mikhailovich.