What can you see in the Tretyakov Gallery? What can you see in the Tretyakov Gallery? State Tretyakov Gallery The State Tretyakov Gallery Tretyakov Gallery how many paintings are there in total

Tretyakov Gallery– the largest museum of Russian painting in the world. The history of which began with private collection Pavel Tretyakov.

The artists dreamed that it was he who would buy their works. Although Tretyakov was not always ready to pay a lot. Because many were bribed by this philanthropist with a modest character and democratic views.

When Tretyakov donated his gallery to Moscow, Alexander III granted him the title of nobility. But Tretyakov refused, considering himself unworthy of it!

Its taste was also special. He wanted to see truthfulness, sincerity and sincerity in the picture. He ignored academic and pretentious works created with the aim of impressing the public.

Therefore, many of the works he bought have stood the test of time and are recognized as masterpieces. I will tell you about a few of them.

1. Ivan Shishkin. Rye. 1878


Ivan Shishkin. Rye. 1878 State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Purchased by P. Tretyakov.

In the painting “Rye” we see an incredible combination of low yellow rye and tall old pines. And many more interesting details. Very low flying swifts. People with braids walking along the road.

Shishkin was often accused of being too photographic. And in fact, if you zoom in on the image, you will smooth out almost every spikelet.

But it's not that simple. Among the majestic pines there is a pine tree that died, possibly from being struck by lightning. What does the artist want to tell us? About the fact that any force can be broken overnight?

Having survived the death of his wife and two children, Shishkin could easily transfer such a mood to canvas. But even so, he did everything to show the beauty of Russian nature.

A high-quality reproduction of this masterpiece can be ordered

2. Arkhip Kuindzhi. After the rain. 1879


Arkhip Kuindzhi. After the rain. 1879 State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Acquired by P. Tretyakov

The main character of all Kuindzhi’s paintings is light. Moreover, an ordinary light artist incomprehensibly turned into magical. Selecting the most colorful natural phenomena. Just like in the painting “After the Rain.”

A terrible thunderstorm has just passed. The brown-purple sky looks scary. But the landscape is already illuminated by the first rays. The rainbow is about to ripen. The grass after the rain is a pure emerald color.

There is no certainty that Kuindzhi painted only from life. It is unlikely that a horse would remain in the open during a severe thunderstorm. Most likely, her figure was added to enhance the contrast. Between a stormy sky and sunlit grass.

Kuindzhi was original not only as an artist. But in general, as a person. Unlike many of his less wealthy colleagues, he became rich thanks to successful real estate transactions. But he lived very modestly, giving all his money to those in need.

3. Viktor Vasnetsov. Three princesses of the underworld. 1881


Victor Vasnetsov. Three princesses underground kingdom. 1881 State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Entered in 1910 according to the will of M. Morozov

The painting “Three Princesses” was commissioned by Savva Mamontov especially for the coal company railway. Vasnetsov took as a basis the folk tale about the golden, silver and copper princesses.

But he changed it a lot. Leaving only the golden princess. Adding two others of my own. The Princess of Precious Stones and the Princess of Coal. All three glorify the riches of the Russian soil.

The girl in black is the youngest, because coal began to be mined later than gold and precious stones. That's why her dress is more modern.

And the Princess of Coal’s dress is more modest. After all, its purpose is to benefit people. And not to serve human greed, which is what the two older sisters have to do.

Tretyakov loved to buy works from Vasnetsov; they were good friends. And no wonder. The artist was an extremely modest person.

When he entered the Academy of Arts, he learned that he had passed the exam only a year later. When I came to take the exam again, I was sure that I had failed the first time.

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4. Ilya Repin. Dragonfly. 1884


Ilya Repin. Dragonfly. 1884 State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Acquired by P. Tretyakov

“Dragonfly” can unwittingly be mistaken for the work of an impressionist from Paris. After all, she is so cheerful and bright.

A child sits on a bar against the background of a bright sky and swings his leg. You can hear the chirping of crickets and the buzzing of bumblebees.

The most surprising thing is that Repin did not particularly like the impressionists. Considering that they lack plot. But I couldn’t help myself when I started to draw a child. Another style of writing did not in any way lead to childish spontaneity.

In the painting Repin depicted his eldest daughter I believe. Moreover, he himself called it “Dragonfly”. After all, the blue dress is so similar to the color of a dragonfly that sat on a log for a couple of seconds and soon soared into the sky with ease.

Vera lived with her father until the end of his life. She never got married. Few people spoke flatteringly about her. Including Chukovsky, who knew the Repin family well, Korney Chukovsky.

According to his recollections, Vera Ilyinichna did not hesitate to sell her father’s paintings, and with the proceeds she bought earrings for herself. She was “deceitful, cowardly... and stupid in mind and heart.” This is such harsh criticism...

5. Valentin Serov. Girl illuminated by the sun. 1888


Valentin Serov. Girl illuminated by the sun. 1888 State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Acquired by P. Tretyakov

Another painting in an impressionistic manner is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery. But already written by Valentin Serov.

Impressionism here is expressed in an incredible play of light and shadow. Sun glare, a brightly lit clearing are contrasted with the dark bark of a tree and the skirt of a deep of blue color.

Serov considered “Girl Illuminated by the Sun” to be his best painting, despite the fact that he painted it at the age of 23. He admitted to friends that he had been trying to create something similar all his life, but it never worked out.

His cousin Maria Simonovich posed for Serov. For three whole months, several hours every day. The artist worked on the painting for so long and carefully that even the very patient Maria could not stand it. In the fourth month of work, she fled to St. Petersburg under the pretext of starting classes.

Not just because I'm tired. Then she admitted that she was afraid that her brother might overdo it. Being a sculptor herself, she knew that if you endlessly make amendments to the work, you can ruin everything.

Perhaps she did the right thing. And thanks in part to her, the picture became a masterpiece. Second in popularity only to Serov's painting.

6. Isaac Levitan. Over eternal peace. 1894


Isaac Levitan. Above eternal peace. 1894 State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Acquired by P. Tretyakov

“Above Eternal Peace” is one of the most Russian and philosophical landscapes Levitan. The universal scale of the river expanse is contrasted with human fragile life. The symbol of which is a barely noticeable light burning in the church.

Levitan himself considered this picture very important, seeing in it a reflection of his character and soul. But at the same time she scared him. It seemed to him that she emanated the coldness of eternity, which “has swallowed up many generations and will swallow up even more.”

Levitan was a melancholy person, prone to gloomy thoughts and actions. So, a year after painting this picture, he made a demonstrative suicide attempt. Being in a dejected state due to overdrinking in my personal life. At that time, two women, mother and daughter, fell in love with him.

In general, this picture is a catalyst for your worldview. If you are an optimistic person, then you are more likely to feel inspired by the contemplation of space. If you are a pessimist, then expect different emotions. You will probably feel uncomfortable with the all-consuming space.

7. Mikhail Vrubel. Lilac. 1900


Mikhail Vrubel. Lilac. 1900 State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Received from the I. Ostroukhov Museum in 1929.

In Vrubel’s painting we see a strikingly beautiful lilac. It was written with a palette knife*, so the clusters of inflorescences look like voluminous crystals of extraordinary color, from light blue to purple. In general, there are so many of these flowers in the picture that you can smell the lilac.

Against the background of the bush, the outlines of a girl, the soul of lilac, appear. We see only large dark eyes, dark thick hair and graceful hands. The girl, unlike the lilac, is painted with a brush. Which emphasizes its unreality.

A painting can take us back to childhood. After all, it was then that we were inclined to see the otherworldly. Here you are walking along a path among lilac bushes in the late twilight and peering into the greenery. And our imagination draws us the unknown: someone’s eyes or silhouettes.

Vrubel, unlike an ordinary person, retained this special vision throughout his life. In his imagination, he plunged into other worlds and then showed them to us. In the form of demons, seraphim or tree souls.

But one day he “didn’t find his way” back. Soon after writing “Lilac,” Vrubel’s mental disorder began to progress. He slowly faded away in the captivity of other worlds and died in 1910.

There are so many masterpieces of Russian painting in the Tretyakov Gallery that it was difficult for me to choose only seven paintings. Surely someone didn't like it. After all, I didn’t include the most popular masterpieces like . And she hasn’t yet told about Vereshchagin and.

I was guided by my own taste, choosing those works that personally appeal to me. If you haven’t noticed them before, I hope you were able to make new discoveries for yourself.

* A thin spatula that artists use to apply primer to the canvas (the base for the paint layer of the painting). But sometimes this tool is also used for applying paint.

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1. Tretyakov began by purchasing Western European paintings.

Merchant and philanthropist Pavel Tretyakov Throughout his life he was interested in painting, but he never painted a picture himself. In his youth, he began collecting books with illustrations and engravings. He made his first purchases at the Sukharevsky market, to which he liked to take Sunday walks. At the very beginning of his career as a collector, Pavel Mikhailovich did not even think that his collection would consist exclusively of works by Russian painters. Like all beginning collectors, he made accidental acquisitions. So, in 1854–1855 Tretyakov bought eleven graphic sheets and nine paintings by old Dutch masters.

Wanderer Ilya Ostroukhov, who later became one of the leaders of the Tretyakov Gallery, after Tretyakov’s death, recalled the following: “The first two or three mistakes in such a difficult matter as determining the authenticity of old paintings turned him away from collecting old masters forever. Subsequently, the deceased used to say: “The most authentic painting for me is the one that was personally purchased from the artist.” Today's collectors of contemporary art will definitely support this sound argument.

2. Pavel Tretyakov writes for the first time about plans to create a museum of Russian painting in his will.

At the age of twenty-eight, Pavel Tretyakov wrote his first will - he was going to go abroad to study how linen weaving works in factories in Western Europe. According to the rules of the time and by agreement with the partners, it was necessary to draw up a will. The young merchant amusingly distributes everything that he receives from his father and that he himself has earned by the age of twenty-eight: “I bequeath capital of one hundred and fifty thousand rubles in silver to the establishment of an art museum or public art gallery... For me, who truly and ardently loves painting, there cannot be better wishes“how to lay the foundation for a public repository of fine arts accessible to all, which will bring benefit to many and pleasure to all.”

3. The founding date of the gallery was the day of acquisition of the painting “Skirmish with Finnish Smugglers” by Khudyakov.

It is generally accepted that the history of the Tretyakov Gallery began on May 22, 1856 (new style). On this day, Pavel Tretyakov bought a painting by Khudyakov, and the artist received a receipt. From this time on, Tretyakov acquired dozens of works, not even stopping at large expenses. The collector himself considered the painting “Temptation” by the genre painter Schilder to be his first Russian acquisition; he writes about this in a letter to the critic Stasov (though thirty years after his first purchases) in 1893 after the transfer art gallery as a gift to Moscow.

Vasily Khudyakov
"Skirmish with Finnish Smugglers"
1853

4. The Tretyakov Gallery is based on the collections of two Tretyakovs - brothers Pavel and Sergei, who collected Western painting.

The youngest of the Tretyakovs, Sergei, became interested in collecting much later than his brother. In the early 1870s, he gradually began to collect modern Western painting, primarily French, which, by the way, was then more expensive than Russian. Sergei's collection was small (included Daubigny, Corot, Mile) and was located in a mansion on Prechistensky Boulevard. The owner showed it only to guests and, as they say, “on recommendation.” He bought paintings for himself and sometimes on the advice of Pavel. Some of his acquisitions were exhibited by his older brother. After the sudden death of Sergei Tretyakov, according to his will, the collection was donated to the city (its value then exceeded 500 thousand rubles). The will of his brother prompted Pavel to transfer his museum along with the mansion to Moscow. So, in 1892, a corresponding statement appeared in the City Duma. The Duma gave the resulting collection the name “Moscow City Gallery named after the brothers Pavel and Sergei Tretyakov,” and paintings from Sergei’s Western collection were exhibited right there in Lavrushinsky Lane. Moreover, in 1910, according to the will of the collector Mikhail Morozov, Western art in the Tretyakov Gallery was replenished with works by Renoir, Pissarro, Manet, Monet and Degas.

Pavel and Sergei Tretyakov
Photo: press service of the Tretyakov Gallery

5. Tretyakov competed with Emperor Alexander III in collecting Russian artists.

Tretyakov showed no less agility in acquiring new works than in commercial transactions. Memories have been preserved according to which Emperor Alexander III and his brother Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich (he, by the way, was president Imperial Academy arts and in many ways became the reason for the departure of Serov and Polenov from the Academy) were often indignant at exhibitions, seeing paintings that had already been marked as Tretyakov’s property. This is because he preferred to buy canvases in the studio directly from the artists even before the opening of exhibitions. An indicative case occurred after the death of Alexander III. In memory of him, his son Nicholas II, knowing that his father really wanted to get Surikov’s painting “The Conquest of Siberia by Ermak,” outbid the price and offered for it a record amount for that time of 40 thousand rubles, which Tretyakov could not afford.

6. The emblem of the Tretyakov Gallery became the façade based on a drawing by Vasnetsov.

The gallery was located in a house purchased by the Tretyakovs in 1851. The more acquisitions there were, the more spacious new premises were added to the residential part of the mansion - for storing and displaying works of art. In 1902–1904, after the death of Pavel Tretyakov, the famous facade of the architect Bashkirov, based on a drawing by Vasnetsov, appeared in the Russian style with a “kokoshnik” and a relief of St. George the Victorious (the patron saint of Moscow, who is depicted on the city’s coat of arms).

Drawing provided by the press service of the Tretyakov Gallery

7. Repin’s painting “Ivan the Terrible and his son Ivan November 16, 1581” was attacked by a vandal.

On January 16, 1913, a terrible thing happened in the Tretyakov Gallery - an unknown vandal dealt a fatal blow to Ilya Repin’s painting “Ivan the Terrible and his son Ivan on November 16, 1581” with a knife. It is interesting that at one time Emperor Alexander III and his entourage did not like this painting terribly. By his decree, he banned it from being shown, and the painting itself thus became the first painting to be censored in Russian Empire. The ban was later lifted. However, a new misfortune came with the 29-year-old Old Believer and son of a furniture magnate, Abram Balashov. After the cuts he inflicted, Repin had to actually rebuild the faces of his heroes anew. The then curator of the Tretyakov Gallery, Yegor Moiseevich Khruslov, upon learning about the damage to the painting, threw himself under a train.

8. The chronological arrangement of the paintings was introduced by the artist Igor Grabar.

At the beginning of 1913, the Moscow City Duma elected Grabar a trustee of the Tretyakov Gallery, and he remained in this position until 1925. In accordance with world museum practice, Grabar decided to remake the exhibition. Thus, the works of one artist were now exhibited in one hall, and the halls themselves were subordinated to a chronological principle.

9. Part of the Tretyakov Gallery is the Museum-Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi.

Due to the strengthening of anti-religious sentiments, the Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi was closed in 1929. A few years later, its building was transferred to the Tretyakov Gallery for storage. Later it was connected to the exhibition halls by a two-story building, the upper floor of which was specially designed for exhibiting Ivanov’s painting “The Appearance of Christ to the People.” Today the temple has the status of a house church at the gallery. Unique shrines are kept here, including Vladimir icon Mother of God, and once a year on the feast of the Holy Trinity, Andrei Rublev’s “Trinity” icon is brought from the halls of the Tretyakov Gallery to the temple.

10. The Tretyakov Gallery was closed for a total of sixteen years (two years under Tretyakov, four during the Second World War and ten for reconstruction).

For the first time, the gallery was closed for two years due to theft. In 1891, four paintings were stolen from a gallery on Lavrushinsky Lane. For Tretyakov, this incident turned out to be a real tragedy, and he ordered the gallery to be closed for two years. Later, two paintings were found. During the Great Patriotic War the collection was evacuated to Novosibirsk and returned in May 1945. From 1986 to 1995, due to major reconstruction, the Tretyakov Gallery was closed to visitors. Then the building on Krymsky Val became the only exhibition area of ​​the museum for a whole decade. By the way, it was merged with the Tretyakov Gallery just before the renovation in 1985. Over the years of its existence, the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery has increased fifty-fold.

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Monument to Tretyakov, a collector of paintings, which he donated to the city of Moscow. The artist Vasnetsov worked on the façade of the gallery building.

One of the halls of the Tretyakov Gallery with the painting “The Appearance of Christ to the People” by artist A.A. Ivanov.

The painting “The Appearance of Christ to the People” The artist A.A. Ivanov, after graduating from the Academy of Painting, went to Italy where for 20 years from 1837 to 1857 he worked on this huge and famous painting. In his painting, the author sought to show how the sublime, the divine has an influence on people.

The artist A.A. Ivanov, after graduating from the Academy of Painting, went to Italy where for 20 years from 1837 to 1857 he worked on this huge and famous painting. In his painting, the author sought to show how the sublime, the divine influences people.

The characters in the picture look at the Appearance of Christ with different feelings. Some are inspired, others are scared, others are joyful. Each face has something different....

"The Appearance of Christ to the People." Detail.

Painting "Apollo, Hyacinth, and Cypress singing."
One of the few paintings by A.A. Ivanov (1806-1858), the author of “The Appearance of Christ to the People.” Painted by the artist in 1831 - 1834 in Italy during his arrival for an internship. Before writing, in order to develop his taste and noble style of drawing, the author copies groups, heads, draperies from Raphael's frescoes in the Vatican and creatively uses this in the picture. The painting depicts the god of art Apollo and two young men playing music on a lawn with an Italian landscape.

The painting by I.I. Shishkin (1832 - 1898) was painted by the author in 1878 and is one of the most outstanding works. The canvas depicts the endless expanses of the Russian field with a sea of ​​ripening rye. A dusty road with occasional bumps stretches across the field. The ears have already ripened and are swaying heavily in the wind... The field is waiting for the reapers. In the center of the field, giant pine trees emphasize the grandeur of the landscape. This painting is familiar to many from childhood; copies and reproductions are often made from it. The painting is the personification of Russian nature and life.

"Rural procession for Easter" Perov V.
Russian painting critical realism exposing the vices of society. Written by Vasily Perov (1834 - 1882) in post-reform times. The most expressive images in the painting are of a drunken priest and the image of a young peasant woman with an icon. Many of the images in the painting are not sober. The artist thereby focused society’s attention on existing problems. The picture exactly shows the psychological types of the characters and the spring awakening Russian nature. The picture caused big scandal at the first showing. But the opinion of critics was divided. People saw in the picture the illness of Russian society. The picture made many think.


Orest Kiprensky is one of the most famous portrait painters of the early 19th century. A. Delvig suggested contacting him about painting a portrait of A.S. Pushkin. In his depiction of Pushkin, the artist gives a romantically generalized image of the poet. One can see the poet’s deep concentration, slightly touched by a tinge of sorrow, which reveals Pushkin’s nature. The lighting clearly highlights the face, which reveals the moment of attention and inspiration. The poet looks thoughtful, but his thoughts are anxious and sad. The portrait was created in 1828 and is one of the gallery’s masterpieces.

I.N. Kramskoy, "Portrait of an Unknown Woman".
This portrait was painted by the artist Ivan Nikolaevich Kramskoy in 1883. On the day of the first presentation of this painting in the gallery, enthusiastic spectators lifted the artist in their arms and carried him around the hall..... The portrait became one of the artist’s most significant works. The artist never revealed the secret of the creation of this portrait. Many asked her questions: who is this stranger in a stroller with an arrogant look and dark skin of a charming face... But the artist decided that this portrait would remain his secret

"Dance among the swords." Semiradsky G.I.
The artist G. I. Semiradsky (1843 - 1902) was a brilliant master of salon painting. The painting "Dance Among Swords" was painted in 1881 and talks about the ancient world, oh the lost "golden age" of people. A beautiful naked woman against the backdrop of an ancient landscape dances among heterae playing music. The academic artist managed to convey the graceful plasticity of the body and the magnificent Mediterranean landscape.


V.I. Surikov "Boyaryna Morozova".
The artist Vasily Surikov (1848 - 1916) painted the painting “Boyaryna Morozova” in 1887 based on the memories of his childhood spent in Siberia. The painting depicts an Old Believer woman, Fedosia Morozova, expelled from her village for her religious views. With all her appearance she appeals to God and people in the struggle for justice and faith. Winter snow, dozens of gathered people with different attitudes towards faith and the noblewoman herself.... in the picture there are dozens of clearly expressed portraits, a well-depicted winter northern nature of Russia. Behind the personal tragedy of the noblewoman Morozova, the author showed an entire historical popular movement

V.I. Surikov "Boyaryna Morozova". Detail.

Painting "Boyaryna Morozova" Detail.
Detail of the painting by V. I. Skrikov "Boyarina Morozova." Tretyakov Gallery, detail. The painting was purchased by Tretyakov himself.


One of the halls of Russian icons at the State Tretyakov Gallery.


The faces of the Mother of God are one of the most revered icons in Rus'. In the photo there is an icon of the Mother of God of the Don, painted by Theophanes the Greek, 1390.

Selected Saints: Paraskeeva, Gregory the Theologian, John Chrysostom, Basil the Great on a 15th century icon from Pskov.

Hall of the Tretyakov Gallery with the Trinity icon by Andrei Rublev.

In a special temperature and humidity controlled cabinet behind thick special glass is the Russian national relic Andrei Rublev's 1420 Trinity icon.

Icon from the Tretyakov collection "Tsar Tsar. 1776. School of the Armory Chamber.

"Hunters at rest" Perova V.G. The painting by the Itinerant artist Vas.Grig.Perov dates back to the late period of his life. The artist himself was a passionate hunter. The painting depicts three hunters having a conversation with each other.. The main thing psychological portraits characters.. A young hunter trustingly listens to an elderly hunter, he is so absorbed in the conversation that he forgets to light a cigarette.. The average hunter, listening to a story, only scratches his forehead more than once while listening to these tales..... A picture of hunters with elements of still life, landscape and everyday painting is very popular with viewers.

The painting was painted in 1898 by I. Repin’s student, artist I. E. Braz. at the request of Tretyakov for his gallery.. Painted in Nice where A. P. Chekhov was vacationing.. Chekhov and the artist himself did not like the portrait, since many did not see it in a portrait of the cheerfulness inherent in the great writer. But perhaps more and more prosaically, Chekhov was already seriously ill and was not as cheerful as before.

Vasnetsov V.M. (1848 - 1926). Preparatory work for painting the Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv (1885 - 1896). The oil painting was purchased for the gallery by Tretyakov himself. It depicts the baptism of Rus' by Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich. In the painting and then in the fresco, the artist vividly depicted dozens of figures endowed with individual traits at that fateful time. The fresco is one of the main paintings of the Kyiv Cathedral Church.

Russian artist Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov was born in the Vyatka province in 1848. Died in Moscow in 1926. Historical painter, architect.. Graduated from theological school. He entered the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg and studied with Kramskoy. Participated in exhibitions of Peredvizhniki artists. His brother Appolinary is also a famous Russian artist... In 1898 he became active. member of the Academy of Painting.. He wrote dozens of works such as “The Baptism of Rus'”, “Alyonushka”, Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf”, etc. How an architect built a temple in Abramtsevo, his own house in Moscow, a chapel over the grave of S. Mamontov, a pavilion project at an exhibition in Paris..... In 1893 he received hereditary nobility. He was buried in Moscow at the Vvedensky cemetery.

"Ivan Tsarevich on a gray wolf." Vasnetsov. The painting was painted by V. Vasnetsov in 1889 during the period of work on the paintings of the Kyiv Cathedral, as if to take a break from the main theme. The picture is like an illustration of a Russian fairy tale" Ivan Tsarevich and Gray wolf". Ivan Tsarevich kidnaps the beautiful Elena and rushes on a wolf through the forest to escape pursuit.. The image of the princess was written from her niece famous philanthropist S.I. Mamontova. The famous painting by V.A. was painted from it. Serov's "Girl with Peaches" which is also in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

The painting Alyonushka was painted by M.V. Vasnetsov in 1881 and inspired lyrically Russian fairy tale "Sister Alyonushka and Brother Ivanushka". Alyonushka, who had not found her lost brother, sadly sat down on a stone by the pond. The prototype of the girl was real heroine from the village of Akhtyrka near Moscow. The picture perfectly depicts autumn, not bright Russian nature. Not a single element of the picture distracts from the sad face of the girl. Loneliness, melancholy, sadness on her Russian face.

Antokolsky M.M.. Tsar Ivan the Terrible. The sculpture "Tsar Ivan the Terrible" was created in 1875 by professor of sculpture M.M. Antokolsky. The thunderous king, tossing about in doubt, is depicted sitting on the throne, thoughtful and furious at the same time.. For this work, the artist received the title of academician.. For the Hermitage, this sculpture was cast in bronze.. The sculptor created many more bright and great images. Tsar Peter the Great, Yaroslav the Wise, Mephistopheles, Ermak and others. For the sculpture of the Head of John the Baptist, the author was awarded the Order of the Legion of Honor at the Paris Exhibition. Antokolsky died in 1902, in Hamburg.

The bust of Peter the Great was made by the French master Nicolas Francois Gillet for a long time worked as a teacher and professor of sculpture at the Academy of Arts. Subsequently famous Russian masters Shubin, Shchedrin, Gordeev and others worked under his leadership. Next to the sculpture of Peter the Great hangs a portrait of the Tsar’s associate G.I. Golovkin. 1720. Artist I.N. Nikitin.

Tsar Paul the First (1754 - 1801) is depicted in the last year of his short life. The son of Peter the Third and Empress Catherine the Second was Emperor for only five years. The entire ruling bureaucracy was dissatisfied with his reforms. They killed him in 1801 in the Mikhailovsky Castle in St. Petersburg. The bust from the Nadezhdino estate was sculpted by the sculptor Fyodor Ivanovich Shubin. In the background is a portrait of a serf actress from Ostankino

Serov V.A. was the son of the famous Russian composer A.N. Serov. Therefore, from early childhood I became involved in art. Talent and observation awakened in him unusually early, so it is not surprising that his first teacher was Ilya Repin. In 1880, he entered the Academy of Arts, where he immediately stood out among the talented students. A trip to France and work at Savva Mamontov’s estate “Abramtsevo” gave him a lot. It was in Abramtsevo that he noticed a 12-year-old girl, Vera, with whom he was written. The entire room of the estate is flooded with sun. On the table there are fox maple peaches and a shiny knife. There is a famous Russian painting. He painted it for 3 months. The painting depicts a young girl in a pink robe with a bow. The girl with a subtle smile and self-confidence is very restless, her hands are busy with the peach fruit and she herself wants to take a walk... The artist’s painting earned admiration from her contemporaries and from people of subsequent generations. In the Abramtsevo Estate Museum near Moscow. A copy of this painting hangs in the same room where the artist worked.

“Girl illuminated by the sun” is one of the most significant works of Valentin Aleksandrovich Serov... Which Serov himself singled out among the best. Sunny day, oak meadow... A girl is sitting on a bench under a tree. The artist masterfully conveys a lot of sun glare and shadows on the ground, clothes, and the girl’s face.. A light and quiet light emanates from her face with a gentle blush. The style of the portrait is early Russian impressionism. The artist masterfully conveys the spirituality of the girl. The light of the sun and her soul seem to merge with each other.. The girl spiritualizes nature and the landscape.

Portrait of a composer, naval officer, musician, public figure Nikolai Andreevich Rimsky - Korsakov written in 1898 year, in style realism with elements of impressionism. The picture shows a lively, impetuous, creatively obsessed man-philosopher. The artist paints it with a broad stroke, as if photographically capturing a moment in the life of the famous composer.

Sergei Konstantinovich Zorianko (1818 - 1870) was a student and follower famous artist Venetsianova..Notable for his painstaking and careful finishing of portraits..The portrait of Maria Vasilievna Vorontsova was painted by the artist during the peak of her popularity.The depicted Princess Vorontsova, née Trubetskoy, was close to the reigning court, she needed ceremonial portrait..The artist, in his own manner, subtly and accurately writes out the smallest details of the dress and hairstyle. Subtly conveys the face and figure of the person being portrayed..... The artist S.K. Zorianko painted dozens of portraits of his contemporaries, including a portrait of the artist Venetsianov, Minister of Transport Melnikov, the poet Lermontov, musician Taneyev and others.

The painting "Siege of Pskov by Stefan Batory" was painted by K.P. Bryullov in 1839 - 1843. The author of a huge canvas depicted the episode Livonian War the times of Ivan the Terrible.. Batory and his army are trying to take possession of the fortifications of the Russian fortress of Pskov.. The moment was critical, two towers of the fortress were already occupied,... they feared the worst.. But then boyar Shuisky and abbot Tikhon moved towards the conquerors in a religious procession, everyone followed them warriors defenders of the fortress. The inspired army took away the fortifications abandoned by the enemy and broke into the city. Batory fled with his army. The subsequent siege of the Pskovites in the fortress was not successful for S. Batory and he and the remnants of his troops left Russia. The painting depicts the climax of the battle for the Pskov Fortress.

Fragment of the painting Siege of Pskov by Stefan Batory..Russian soldiers recapture the abandoned towers of the Pskov fortress from the enemy.,With weapons and banners, the Russians went to attack the fortress.

Painting by Karl Bryullov "Countess Olga Orlova (1814 - 1874) - Davydova with her daughter Natalya Davydova." Fragment....1834. One of the most interesting and mysterious paintings Tretyakov Gallery. The painting depicts the daughter of Prince Boryatinsky, master of ceremonies of Tsar Paul the First. Orlova she was by marriage and thus was a relative of one and 5 famous brothers Orlov. She posed for Bryullov in Italy at the age of 20. The painting was a family heirloom... But once upon a time the painting was of a different size with a vast Italian landscape of right hand from the person being portrayed. The landscape depicted a man on horseback riding up to a balcony on which a woman and a child were sitting. It is unknown why the painting was cut in half, leaving only the portrait of the Orlovs. In pre-revolutionary times, there was an attempt to reproduce the loss from memory by an artist who saw this picture in its entirety.

Morenaist and landscape painter Bogolyubov A.P. (1824 - 1896) was born near Novgorod. Graduated from cadet school and naval school. Professional military sailor. I have been drawing since childhood. He entered the Academy of Arts where he came under the great influence of I. Aivazovsky. Having become a moraine painter and landscape painter, he traveled to many countries. He painted Rome, views of Constantinople, Lake Geneva, Revel.... The painting "Riding on the Neva" depicts the joy of St. Petersburg residents of past centuries - sleigh rides on the frozen Neva.. The painting also depicts an accurate panorama of the city center . Bogolyubov’s paintings also hang in the famous Feodosia Aivazovsky Gallery in Crimea.

Painting by Alexei Kondratyevich Savrasov (1830 - 1896) “The rooks have arrived.” painted by the artist in 1871 in the village of Moltvino (Susanino), Kostroma province. At the very first showing of the canvas in the Wanderers Gallery, the painting was a stunning success. The static landscapes of Shishkin and Kuindzhi faded into the background... The painting was immediately bought by the Tretyakov Gallery. The picture became a discovery of the new beauty of Russian nature.. It depicts the very mystery of the onset of our spring.. Looking at the picture one feels the melting snow, the transparency and freshness of the air, the joyful hubbub of rooks. All nature is waiting for the spring sun.. The whole picture is carefully thought out to the smallest detail, creating a complete the realism of what is happening. The church depicted in the picture still pleases the eye near Kostroma. Among other paintings by A. Savrasov, professor of painting at the Moscow Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, it is worth noting the paintings "Thaw"," Pechersky Monastery", "Rural View", and others...

Sorokin Evgraf Semenovich (1821 - 1892) Russian painter of historical and religious genres. Born in the Kostroma region. He began painting in an icon painter's workshop in Yaroslavl. He came to great painting by painting "Tsar Peter at Mass in the Cathedral." The painting was presented to the Tsar who came to Yaroslavl, for which the artist was sent to the Academy of Arts to study. After graduating from the academy, he trained in Spain, Italy and other places. Leaving a whole series of paintings about these countries. He taught at the Moscow Academy of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. He was considered a good draftsman and colorist. For the painting “Annunciation” he received the title of Academician of Painting.. He painted the Cathedral of Christ the Savior under construction, restored the paintings of the artist Bruni, damaged by moisture, in this cathedral..... The painting “Rendezvous” was painted in Italy in 1858.

Catherine and her time. In the center is a ceremonial portrait of Catherine the Second, the so-called “Catherine the Lawgiver.” (Themis). Artist Dmitry Grigorievich Levitsky, 1783. The image of Catherine is executed with a royal bearing. All details emphasize the special solemnity of what is happening. Above the queen rises a marble statue of Themis with the scales of justice. Scarlet color of velvet , the shimmer of white satin clothes, the royal ermine robe create an unforgettable effect. The Empress appeared here as an enlightened fair lady.... Dmitry Grigorievich Levitsky (1735 - 1822), a student of A.P. Antropov. in tune with Western European art. The artist painted mainly Russian nobility. They said about him: “Every portrait of him is more similar than the model itself.”

The sculptor Shubin (1740 - 1805) was born into a peasant family near Arkhangelsk. Since childhood I have been involved in bone carving. Following the example of his fellow countryman Lomonosov, he went to study in St. Petersburg, where with difficulty he entered the Academy of Arts. He studied sculpture with the Frenchman N.F. Jelle. Upon graduation, he was one of the first to be sent for an internship abroad. He worked painstakingly in Paris and Rome. While abroad he created his first works, busts of A.M. Golitsin, F.G. Orlov, Shuvalov and others. The works brought great success.. Upon returning to Russia, he worked a lot on busts of the Russian nobility. He created more than 200 in total. Sometimes he created one marble bust a month. He created busts of Catherine the Second, Paul the First, Lomonosov, Rumyantsev - Zadunaisky, Zavodovsky and many others. He created 58 medallions - portraits of Russian Grand Dukes and Tsars, which are now kept in the Armory Chamber. He was nominated for the title of professor of painting. Last years I was sick in life, lived in poverty and oblivion.


Nesterov. "Vision to the youth Bartholomew" Mich. Vas. Nesterov (1862 - 1942). The artist was born into a wealthy Ufa merchant family with strong religious roots. This predetermined all his further work. Paintings on religious themes, painting of cathedrals are the main thing in his work.." I avoided painting the so-called strong passions, preferring our quiet landscape, living people inner life"This is how the artist characterized his work. His best painting is considered to be the work dedicated to Sergius of Rodonezh, “Vision to the Youth Bartholomew.” The painting shows a typical Russian landscape with fields, a forest, a church and even cabbage beds in the garden. In the foreground is the figure of a monk schema-monk in front of whom is a boy a shepherd. A boy with life ahead of him, with faith and trust, asks to be shown the way and receives blessing. There is no prayerful ecstasy of a supernatural miracle in the picture, everything is simple.. The picture appeared before the public at an exhibition of Peredvizhniki artists and immediately stunned the audience.

Artist M.V. Nesterov. Portrait of Nesterova O.M. the artist's daughter. 1905 Without entering the Technical School M.V. Nesterov entered the School of Painting, Warfare and Architecture, where he studied with the artists P. Sorokin, I. Pryanishnikov, V. Perov, A. Savrasov, V. Makovsky.. In 1881 he entered the Academy of Arts. He began to paint pictures on historical and religious themes. Art critics say about his work that “he painted the soul of the People.” Lived a long time artistic life. The portrait of the daughter was painted in the Symbolism style that was fashionable at the beginning of the 20th century. In Soviet times, the artist was not allowed to write on religious topics, but he wrote them secretly and passed them off as his old pre-revolutionary works. He painted illustrations for the works of Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoevsky... He died at the age of 81 (1942), having previously received the Stalin Prize from the Soviet government!

Portrait of E.A. Naryshkina Borovikovsky. A memory of her was given, Her momentary attention was a joy to me for a long time. I created a verse enchanted, My verse of despondency is a living sound, so sweetly repeated by her, Noticed by her soul. A.S. Pushkin. These poems by A.S. Pushkin are dedicated to the heroine of V.L. Borovikovsky’s portrait, Elena Alexandrovna Naryshkina (1785 - 1855), daughter of the chief chamberlain A.L. Naryshkin. Being widely educated, musical, beautiful, she was friends with the poet Zhukovsky, Kozlov, the Italian composer Gio Rossini wrote a Contata in honor of her. In the portrait she is blooming, young, but life was not easy for her, having married the son of commander A.V. Suvorov and having given birth to 4 children, she was widowed. She was seriously ill, lived abroad, then in the Crimea... Borovikovsky’s portrait brings to us the time of her blooming youth .
Painting by Alexander Kondratyevich Savrasov View of the Kremlin from the Crimean Bridge in inclement weather brought the young man 20 summer artist first success. A picture of a romantic nature with contrasting lighting, the riot of nature, thunderclouds through which the sun peeked out... An illuminated Kremlin and a calmly walking woman. As if they were saying that the riot of nature will all pass temporarily... the eternal remains eternal! This picture made 20-year-old Savrasov popular!

Sculptor, academician Chizhov M.A. (1838 - 1916). comes from common people. His father was a stonecutter, and his son, from childhood, helped his father in his hard work, and at the same time learned to process stone himself. He graduated from the Academy of Arts under the leadership of N.S. Pimenov and A.R. Bok. In his work he often used scenes from the life of ordinary people. Such is the sculpture “Peasant in Trouble” (1873). A heavy thought about the misfortune that had come to the family gripped the peasant. The boy, not yet aware of what had happened, calms his father, which adds even more drama to what is happening. This sculpture was bought by Tretyakov himself!

Hood, Korzukhin A.I. "Before confession." Artist Alexey Ivanovich Korzukhin (1835 - 1894). born in Yekaterinburg. In his youth, before studying at the Academy of Arts, he painted icons for Yekaterinburg churches. He entered the Academy of Arts, where he rebelled along with other students because they were forced to write on given competitive topics... For the paintings within the walls of the academy, he was awarded medals more than once. Painted pictures on folk themes"A funeral in a village cemetery", "Bird's Enemies", For the painting "The Return of the Family from the Fair" he received the title of academician. He was a member of the Association of Peredvizhniki Artists. "Picture before Confession" was painted in 1878. It depicts people preparing in their own way for the sacrament of Confession... The painting was painted in several versions. it can be seen in the gallery in Tver. Before his death he wrote "The Last Supper" for cathedral Rigi.

The painting was painted by Ilya Efimovich Repin in 1882. It depicts a sleeping young girl from rich family in a relaxed pose. The subtle pink tones of the girl’s face speak of her youth.

I. Repin. Portrait of Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy. The portrait of Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy was painted by I. Repin in a clear glade in 1887. This is one of the best portraits of the writer. Tolstoy is depicted sitting in a chair with a book in his hand. Simple clothes, a light, simple background makes you look closely at the writer’s face and figure. The writer's gaze penetrates the viewer, it is a strong, confident, searching gaze... The painting depicts a writer, a philosopher at the moment of reflection. Looking at the portrait, one feels the spiritual greatness of the person being portrayed.

Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov worked on the painting “Three Heroes” for 20 years. In 1898 it was completed and immediately purchased by the Tretyakov Gallery. The artist himself describes it this way: “The heroes Dobrynya, Ilya, and Alyosha Popovich, on their heroic outing, look at the Russian land to see if there is an enemy, if they are offending anyone somewhere.” The sword is taken out, the spear, bow and mace are prepared and ready to rush into battle at any moment. Dobrynya Nikitievich on a white horse. Ilya Muromets on a black horse. Alyosha Popovich with a bow in hand on a pinto horse. And around them is Russian nature with fields, forests and hills.... Three heroes are perceived as defenders and the personification of the Russian spirit of our land.

The artist Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832 - 1898) was born in the region of the Vyatka forests into a merchant family. I have been drawing since childhood. After school, I immediately entered the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. He also studied at the Academy of Arts. Russian landscape, Russian forest, nature are the main thing in his paintings. Oh was active participant Progressive Association of Traveling Artists Hundreds of his works and drawings are known. The artist I. Kraskoy presented the painting “Pine Forest” to the public like this * - Shishkin simply amazes with his knowledge. When he is in front of nature, he is definitely in his element. Shishkin is a “School” man. His images of the forest are a symbol of the heroic nature of Russia." Kamenev Valerian Konstantinovich. A simple Russian official who is already in mature years left the service and devoted himself entirely to painting. He studied in classes at the Academy of Arts. In 1848, for participating in numerous exhibitions, he received the title of Non-Class Artist. Ten years later he received the title of Academician of Painting. He painted views of St. Petersburg, Finland, portraits of Tsar Paul the First, Empress Maria Feodorovna, etc. His works are presented in the Tretyakov Gallery, Taganrog Art Gallery, Sochi Art Museum...

Ilya Repin’s painting “They Didn’t Expect” was painted by the artist in two versions in 1883-1888. Purchased by Tretyakov from the author himself. The painting captures the moment when a man from political exile unexpectedly returns to the manor house.... They were waiting for him and he unexpectedly returned for family members... His mother and wife playing music at the piano are in mourning and simply stunned. Surprise is written in the looks of the servants at the door. The girl at the table is frightened by a man unknown to her... The boy recognized his older brother and, despite his strange appearance, is very happy about his older brother.... The picture is tragic, but bright colors from the windows soften the drama. Everything will be fine in this family! Art critics at the Tretyakov Gallery believe that this is one of the top ten paintings in the gallery that should definitely be seen in the exhibition.

Zinaida Serebryakova (1884 - 1967) was destined to draw. In the Lensere family from which she came, everyone painted. Her grandfather was famous architect Nikolai Benois. She lived in St. Petersburg and in a family estate in the suburbs of the capital. At the age of fifteen, she fell passionately in love with her cousin Boris Serebryakov, with whom she went to sketches in the surrounding villages... They tried to separate them, but they only grew closer together.. The clergy were also against the wedding of close relatives, especially since they were of different religions. Only large sum given to the village priest united them. The painting was painted in 1909 for an exhibition in the capital and was immediately attracted by its fresh, bright colors.... The Tretyakov Gallery bought three of her works at once.. The further fate of the artist crashed against the wall of the revolution. Her husband died after contracting typhus. She had nothing to live on or draw on. ... In 1924, she sailed on a ship to France. Fate did not caress her... Only once was she able to hold an exhibition of paintings, and even then in her apartment.

K.A.Somov.Lady in blue.Konstantin Andreevich Somov.(1869 - 1939). The painting "Lady in Blue" was painted in 1897 - 1900. The artist Shishkin painted the Russian Forest. Vasnetsov painted paintings of Russian history, Kustodiev painted merchants and merchant women.... Konstantin Somov drew inspiration from 18 century, in the world gallant ladies and men, ancient parks... and estates. The world of music and flowers. The artist placed his beloved woman E.M. Martynova (also an artist) in the world of the 18th century, which he loved so much. He dressed her in a wide shiny dress flowing blue waves. In her hands is a book of poems bound in leather, lace on her fragile shoulders and chest. In the background of the picture is a pond near which a young couple is playing music on a bench, and the trees of the manor park. The artist in love could not help but draw himself - the man with a cane is the author of the picture. The artist created a sublime image of his beloved at the age of 27. This painting is the pinnacle of his love and creativity.

Painting by V.G. Perov "Troika".
The famous painter V.G. Perov (1834 - 1882) painted this picture in 1866. Purchased for the gallery by Tretyakov himself. The painting depicts craftsmen forced by their owner to carry water to their owner’s house in freezing cold and icy conditions. At first Perov was unable to central image a boy and one day at a monastery he met a woman with a child who was very suitable for the artist. The boy's name was Vasya, he was from the Ryazan province... It was the artist who portrayed him. For this painting, V.G. Perov was awarded the title of Academician of Painting. The picture was painted against the wall on the slope of the road near the Moscow Nativity Monastery.

Autograph of the artist V.G. Perov on the painting "Troika" Moscow 1866.

Painting "Unequal marriage". V. Pukireva.
The painting "Unequal Marriage" was painted by the artist Vas. Pukirev in 1862 and immediately received universal recognition. For this painting, the Academy of Arts awarded the author the title of professor. The theme of the picture is the permissiveness of the power of the rich who do whatever they want regardless of public condemnation. In the picture, an old rich sensualist is leading a young girl down the aisle. Author's position the unequal marriage is expressed in the figure young man standing behind the bride with his arms crossed.. It is believed that this person condemning the phenomenon is none other than the artist himself.

Russian artist Arkhip Ivanovich Kuindzhi painted this painting in 1879. His work is an artist’s depiction of the beauty of Russian nature; he loved to convey with his brush the sunlight, the wonderful simplicity and at the same time the beauty of Russian nature. In the picture, everything is unusually bright, without a cloudy sky, powerful crowns of birches providing shade and coolness. The artist’s nature symbolizes life, love for the Russian land - simple, spacious and beautiful. The picture is bright and memorable for a long time.

Hall of portraits by V.L. Borvikovsky. in the Tretyakov Gallery. In the center is a large portrait of Vice-Chancellor Prince Nozadi and the Chancellor's bust of Tsar Paul the First. A.B. Kurakin (1752 - 1818) with regalia. The picture shows an image of the Maltese Cross of which the kings and Kurakin himself were a member. The painting was painted in 1802.

A marble bust of Queen Catherine the Second and a picturesque portrait of her in the Tretyakov Gallery. The portrait was executed by Fyodor Stepanovich Rokotov according to the highest order of the Empress, which is recognition of the painter’s talent. This portrait is one of the artist’s achievements in the field of portraiture.
Wise woman and sovereign ruler!!! During the years of her reign, the German Catherine revived a sense of national dignity and strengthened the power of Russia. It’s not for nothing that the reign of Catherine II is called the “Golden Age”...

Vrubel's painting "Seated Demon."
Vrubel's painting "The Seated Demon" was painted by the author in 1890 for the anniversary edition of the works of M. Lermantov. A demon is an image of the strength of the human spirit, internal struggle and doubt. Tragically clasping his hands, the Demon sits surrounded by unprecedented flowers. Sad large eyes look to the side. The painting is painted in Vrubel’s individual style in the form of crystal faces made with a palette knife. This makes the painting look like a stained glass window or panel.

Vrubel's painting "Pan".
The painting was painted by the artist Vruble in 1899 and is one of the author’s best works. Vrubel wrote “Pana” in a period of supreme inspiration in just 3 days. This is the Hellenic goat-horned god and at the same time the Russian goblin merged into the image of Pan. Pan is fantastic, he is a forest dweller, he is what we imagine and imagine as lost in the forest. Night, the moon is shining, Pan begins to move his shaggy head of moss. There are goat horns on his head, a pipe in his hand, round blue eyes glow like rotten things... But there is something sad, kind, human in his gaze.

Exposition of paintings by K.P. Bryulov (1799 - 1852) in the Tretyakov Gallery. The artist Karl Pavlovich Bryullov was born in St. Petersburg. As a painter, he studied at the Academy of Arts under A.I. Ivanov. He spent many years in Italy where he studied painting and architecture. There he painted his most famous painting, The Last Day of Pompeii. The painting "Horsewoman" located in the Tretyakov Gallery also created a great sensation in Russia. The work of K. Bryullov became the pinnacle of Russian artistic romanticism.. But the artist was the author of both ceremonial and chamber portraits.... On the famous monument to M. Mikeshin “1000th anniversary of Russia”, installed in Novgorod, among 16 figures of historical figures of the state, K.P. .Bryulloov..

K. Bryullov. "Bathsheba" The painting "Bathsheba" by Karl Bryullov was painted in 1832. This is the author's admiration for beauty female body. A powerful stream of light pulls out a woman sitting at the toilet from the semi-darkness. The black maid looks admiringly and devotedly at her mistress, the whiteness of her body, her beauty. The fountain at the feet of the beauty emphasizes the passing of life and the frailty of human existence. The painting was left unfinished by the author. But this incompleteness does not in any way affect the perception of the author’s magnificent work.

The painting “Horsewoman” by K.P. Bryullov was written in 1832 by order of Countess Yu.P. Samoilva and depicts her adopted daughters... The eldest of the sisters, the equestrian Giovanna, abruptly stops her black horse at the entrance to the house.. But she herself remains calm and calm .At the sound of hooves and the provocative barking of a dog, he runs out onto the porch of the house youngest daughter with a greyhound dog. Living image younger sister The author was especially successful. The composition of the picture is distinguished by its balance, exquisite colors and gives the whole picture a ceremonial character.

“The Appearance of Christ to the People” by A.A. Ivanov

A.A. Ivanov can be called “an artist of one picture.” He wrote the epic painting “The Appearance of Christ to the People” for 20 years. The painting depicts the moment of Christ's descent to the Jordan River and his meeting with John the Baptist. The models for many of the characters in the film were real people - in particular, the artist himself and his friend N.V. Gogol.

The painting was exhibited in St. Petersburg in May 1858, and a month and a half later the artist died. When in 1925 it was decided to move the painting to the Tretyakov Gallery, there was no suitable room for the huge canvas measuring 5.4 x 7.5 meters, and a separate room had to be added to the main gallery building for it.

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“Ivan the Terrible and his son Ivan November 16, 1581” (“Ivan the Terrible kills his son”), I. E. Repin

It is still not known for sure whether Ivan the Terrible really killed his son in a fit of rage, or whether this is a historical legend. But that doesn't matter. In the picture I.E. Repin depicts the main thing - the deep essence of evil, which grew out of the rapture of power, despotism and permissiveness. This is not only a stunning canvas, but also a clear indicator of human anger and intolerance.

The painting “Ivan the Terrible” became the first work of art in Russian history to be censored. Emperor Alexander III forbade P. Tretyakov, who bought the painting, to exhibit it or show it privately. Tretyakov himself experienced such a strong negative emotional impact from this work that he had to move the canvas to a separate room. In 1913, the painting was vandalized - it was cut up by an unbalanced Old Believer icon painter. In 2013, a group of aggressive Orthodox activists tried to organize the removal of the painting from the museum’s display.

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“The Apotheosis of War” by V.V. Vereshchagin

“The Apotheosis of War” is a deeply symbolic painting by the famous battle painter Vereshchagin, who had the opportunity to participate in hostilities around the world, from the Balkans to Turkestan, India and China. This is a bright and expressive protest against wars and violence.

Vereshchagin himself, with bitter irony, defined the genre of his painting as follows: “except for the crows, then this is a still life, translated from French as ‘dead nature’.” Indeed, a huge mountain of skulls, cut by sabers and pierced by bullets, in a parched stone desert under a bright blue sky is “dead nature”, the natural result of any military conflicts. On the frame of the picture there is an inscription: “Dedicated to all great conquerors - past, present and future.”

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“Boyaryna Morozova” V. I. Surikov

The epic historical canvas was written by V. Surikov based on “The Tale of Boyarina Morozova” - a biography of the heroine of the Old Believer movement, which was popular in his native Siberian lands. The painting “Boyaryna Morozova” still remains one of the central ones in the exhibition of the Tretyakov Gallery. Critics of the time compared it to a “Persian carpet” for its depiction of a motley, multifaceted crowd forming a kind of “pattern”. It is noteworthy that the faces of all the characters depicted, even minor ones, are strictly individual and carefully drawn out. For this painting, Surikov created more than a hundred portrait sketches!

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“The Lacemaker” V. A. Tropinin

Until the age of 47, V.A. Tropinin was a serf. True, his owner, Count Morkov, noticed the young man’s artistic talent and sent him to study at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts for several years, but later Tropinin had to long years combine the duties of a court painter and a servant. He received his freedom only in 1823, and in the same year he painted the painting “The Lacemaker,” which amazed art critics lyricism and spontaneity. The work is permeated with the spirit of intimacy and joy of everyday life. Tropinin’s soulful female images became classics of Russian painting, and he himself was called the “Russian Rembrandt.”

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"Morning in pine forest» I. Shishkin, K. Savitsky

The painting “Morning in a Pine Forest” is better known in Russia as popular name"Three Bears". During Soviet times, popular chocolate candies “Bear-toed Bear” were produced, the wrapper of which featured a reproduction of this work. In fact, there are four bears in the picture, not three. The centuries-old pine forest covered in morning fog belongs to the brush consummate master landscape by I. Shishkin, funny bear cubs were painted by the artist Konstantin Savitsky. But after acquiring the painting, P. Tretyakov erased Savitsky’s signature, so its authorship was long attributed to Shishkin alone.

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“The Seated Demon” M. Vrubel

Vrubel’s images of demons are a unique phenomenon in Russian painting. They have nothing to do with the biblical embodiment of evil. Vrubel's demons personify the strength and greatness of the human spirit, overwhelmed by doubts, sorrow and suffering. The most expressive in this gallery of images is “The Seated Demon.” He is embodied in the image of a young man, as if sandwiched between the upper and lower edges of the picture against the backdrop of a blazing sunset. The effect of anxiety and confusion is emphasized by Vrubel’s specific, unique painting style - sharp, vibrating strokes reminiscent of a mosaic. Contrary to popular belief, “The Demon” was written even before Vrubel began illustrating poem of the same name Lermontov.

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“Bogatyrs” V. Vasnetsov

“Bogatyrs” is not only the most famous painting by V. Vasnetsov, but also one of the most popular works of art in Russia. Everyone knows it, young and old, most often under the name “Three Heroes”. The heroic theme is the basis of the folk mythology of Rus'. The names of Ilya Muromets, Dobrynya Nikitich and Alyosha Popovich, valiant defenders of the Russian people, are familiar to us from childhood.

V. Vasnetsov painted the painting “Bogatyrs” for more than 20 years, bringing every detail to perfection. He considered this work his “creative duty, an obligation to his native people.” Philanthropist Savva Mamontov built a separate pavilion on the Abramtsevo estate, where Vasnetsov could work on a huge canvas. The prototype of Ilya Muromets was the blacksmith from Abramtsevo Ivan Petrov, Alyosha Popovich - younger son Mamontova Andrey. But Dobrynya Nikitich - collective image the artist himself, his father and grandfather.

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“Girl with Peaches” by V.A. Serov

“Girl with Peaches” is one of the most joyful, fresh and lyrical paintings late XIX century. It was painted by twenty-two-year-old V. Serov in Abramtsevo, the estate of the philanthropist Savva Mamontov, where the most famous artists of that time often gathered. The portrait depicts the owner’s daughter, 12-year-old Vera Mamontova. By the way, the peaches laid out on the table were not brought from warm regions at all; they were grown in the greenhouse of the estate by a virtuoso gardener. Later, V. Serov became one of the best portrait painters in Europe and immortalized many famous contemporaries, but “Girl with Peaches” still remains his most famous work.

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“Bathing the Red Horse” by K.P. Petrov-Vodkin

“The Bathing of the Red Horse” by K. Petrov-Vodkin is one of the most unusual and symbolic paintings beginning of the twentieth century. The original spherical perspective and color scheme of the painting were created under the influence of the traditions of Russian icon painting and Italian frescoes. When critics accused the artist that there were no red horses, he showed them ancient Russian icons in which the horses were the same color. In Russian icon painting, the color red signifies the greatness of life, and sometimes sacrifice. Contemporaries considered Petrov-Vodkin’s painting prophetic and associated the red horse with Russia, which the fragile young rider was unable to hold.

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Once in main building Tretyakov Gallery, you can see paintings by famous Russian artists. The most ancient work dates back to the eleventh century.

Tretyakov Gallery: how to get there, what to see

The famous museum was founded by a wealthy merchant. He started buying Russian artists. Over time, entertainment became a real hobby, and the philanthropist spent a lot of money around the world to acquire the works of his compatriots.

The museum has become a real bank of paintings, where the most famous masterpieces Tretyakov Gallery. It presents best painting Russia from the 11th century to the present day.

You can get to the gallery on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 9 pm. Monday is a day off. So what can you see in the Tretyakov Gallery?

Paintings with historical background

One of the most famous masterpieces that are exhibited in main exhibition museum, became the painting “Apotheosis of War”. Wrote it famous artist in 1871. He created an eternally relevant picture, being impressed by the battle in Turkestan. Then gentle soul the painter was struck by the cruelty that people are capable of.

The original title of the painting was “The Triumph of Tamerlane.”

The picture has a backstory. Legend has it that Tamerlane punished the lascivious men of Damascus. He heard complaints from women that men had stopped behaving decently. Then Tamerlane gathered an army, and ordered each soldier from an army of many thousands to bring one head of such a depraved man. They say that at the feet of the commander there were then seven huge pyramids built from the skulls of the dead.

A little later, Vereshchagin realized that this image fits absolutely any war that brings destruction and death. You can see his other creations in the Tretyakov Gallery.

One more historical painting is a painting by Surikov called “Boyaryna Morozova”. The artist depicted in his painting historical event seventeenth century. Then there was a split in the church. Some of its representatives wanted changes, while others adhered to old traditions. The latter were later called Old Believers. Among them was Feodosia Morozova. The fate of the noblewoman turned out to be very difficult. Representatives of the new church brutally dealt with dissenters, not sparing children and women. Morozova was arrested and then put in an earthen pit, where they stopped feeding her. She died of hunger.

Surikov painted himself in the image of a wanderer observing the cruel action.

Household paintings

What can you see in the Tretyakov Gallery on themes from everyday life?

The artist Vasily Pukirev in the painting “Unequal Marriage” managed to convey all the despair experienced by a young girl doomed to marry an old man.

It is not without reason that the painter painted this canvas so believable, and it seems that it is alive. The museum guide will definitely tell visitors that the author of the painting himself suffered from such a marriage. His beloved was obliged to marry a rich dignitary.

If you take a closer look at the masterpiece, the best man standing behind the bride, who is clearly opposed to this marriage, is Vasily Pukirev. His sullen face and folded arms indicate how sad and angry he is.

Political paintings

What can you see in the Tretyakov Gallery on this topic? One of the striking examples of political paintings was Repin’s painting “They Didn’t Expect”.

Under this name, two works hang in the gallery at once. Both of them are the creation of Ilya Repin. Both became one of the most famous paintings in Russian popular culture. Works presented at the Tretyakov Gallery:

    In the first picture, the student is returning home.

In the Tretyakov Gallery you can see “The Bathing of the Red Horse” by Petrov-Vodkin (also partially political).

The name of the canvas is a symbol of Russia during the artist’s time. The horse is eager to be released. And the rider sitting on it is too inexperienced and small.

Petrov-Vodkin copied the horse from a real one. The living prototype responded to the nickname Boy. And the teenager in the picture was a student of the artist named Kalmykov Sergei. Kalmykov himself left a note about this for his descendants, proud that he was on the masterpiece.

Religious paintings

The highlight of the collection was “Trinity”, written by Andrei Rublev. He was a famous icon painter. The painting was created back in the fifteenth century. It depicts three angels who have gathered for a conversation. This work kept by the Tretyakov Gallery. Paintings (we describe what else to see in the article) with religious themes are not limited to this epoch-making work.

The image is placed in the department. The gallery administration has protected the painting with special glass, in which the required temperature and humidity level are always adjusted so that the next generation can see it.

Kramskoy’s painting “Unknown” became a symbol of St. Petersburg. In it, a girl in a carriage rides along the Anichkov Bridge. Many researchers of the artist’s work are trying to find out who this mysterious young lady is. According to one version, this is Anna Karenina, the heroine of L. Tolstoy’s work of art. According to the second - And the third version says that the picture depicts the daughter of Kramskoy himself. The girl is compared to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece - “La Gioconda”.

Romanticism

He painted a rather provocative picture for the present time with the proud title “Beauty”. This work is not recommended for those who are opposed to nude graphics, because it depicts a lovely local theater actress, whom the artist painted from life. Boris Kustodiev painted the picture, relying only on a small pencil sketch that he made during the actress’s visit.

The interior of the room was copied from the artist’s apartment.

Fairy tales and legends

For fans interesting legends Those who don’t know what similar things can be seen in the Tretyakov Gallery do not need to despair. You can easily place Vasnetsov’s painting “Bogatyrs” in this section. This work is familiar to most of us. The painter worked on it for almost twenty years.

The painting depicts three famous Russian heroes. They are the main characters of many folk tales.

This work also has its own mystery. Despite the fact that Dobrynya is always portrayed as a young guy, Vasnetsov made him more mature. Art historians are sure that the picture shows its creator.

The only real character is Ilya Muromets. He became famous for his exploits, which actually took place. Muromets became a monk in old age; he lived in the Kyiv Lavra until his death.

The second most popular is Vrubel’s work “The Swan Princess”. The picture can be recognized by the heroine’s huge and sad eyes. The artist remained true to himself and his style. The author had the opportunity to create the design for the opera “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”. Its author is Rimsky-Korsakov, inspired famous work Pushkin.

Vrubel spoke very highly of the performer of the main role. It was from her that the “Swan Princess” was drawn.

Nature

No one probably loved nature as much as Ivan Shishkin. Museum visitors who are tired of walking through different halls, but are still interested in what can be seen in the Tretyakov Gallery, are recommended to sit next to the painting “Morning in pine forest", relax, and fully embrace the beauty surrounding nature. This masterpiece was popularly called “Three Bears.” However, there are four bear cubs on the canvas, not three.

The painting was so popular that with its reproduction in Soviet time sweets were produced.