“Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf”: a painting based on the plot of a Russian folk tale

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov is a singer of Russian folklore. The painter left an indelible mark on the history of world art. One of the most famous works of the artist is familiar to many since childhood.

History of Creation

Vasnetsov's painting "Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf" was created during his stay in Kyiv. He was invited there in order to decorate the interior of the Vladimir Cathedral with his art. The artist was completely passionate about painting on a religious theme. He fasted during this period, prayed a lot, asked for blessings from God. "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" - a picture that was created in the Vladimir Cathedral. Then, in 1889, the artist interrupted the painting of the sacred building and completely devoted himself to work on a fairy-tale theme. The idea of consciousness of a painting based on the plot of a folk tale captivates the artist so much that he sometimes even forgets to eat.

Storyline

“Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf” is a painting expressing both danger and hope. In the midst of the dense forest, they seem to hover overearth characters picture. They are hiding from their pursuers.

The wolf rushes the Tsarevich and Elena forward. His paws are strong, his ears listen attentively. The eyes of the Wolf are fascinating - these are not the eyes of an animal, but of a person. Clear, focused, wise. Brave Ivan tightly hugs his beloved, whom he has kidnapped. His eyes are fixed on the forest. He is tense and anxious. He can fight for Elena - his sword is ready. Elena the Beautiful leaned her head in fear on the Tsarevich's shoulder. Her gaze is thoughtful. Long hair blowing in the wind.

Choosing the prototype of the character of Elena the Beautiful, Tretyakov settled on a sketch he created back in 1883. On it, he portrayed the niece of S. Mamontov, Natalya Anatolyevna. It was in this girl that the artist found the image of a fragile girl who submitted to her savior, which he needed to paint a picture.

When you come into contact with the painting, the real world fades into the background. The atmosphere of magic, fantasy, the past becomes relevant. The description of the painting by Viktor Vasnetsov “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf” can be reduced to the definition of “fabulous”.

Artistic value

The details of the piece were carefully thought out by the artist and skillfully rendered. "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" is a picture replete with symbolism. Each element of the Tsarevich's attire - an expensive brocade caftan, gloves with an intricate pattern, red boots - emphasizes the hero's status. Pearl necklaceon the neck of Elena the Beautiful - a symbol of her purity, tenderness. In Russia, pearls were given to girls of marriageable age as a wish for a happy marriage. If you look closely, the wolf is not gray at all. The tone of his coat echoes the shades of Ivan's clothes. This is a symbol of the animal's belonging to its owner, its devotion.

The image of the landscape bears a special meaning. The forest in the work personifies the danger, the impending threat. The branches, leaning towards the heroes, seem to strive to grab them, hold them, and not give them the opportunity to escape from their pursuers. “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf” is a painting that strikes with its colors and tones. It is the shades that create a feeling of an eerie atmosphere and fear. In the midst of a gloomy forest, the artist depicted a flowering branch - a symbol of hope for salvation.

For the first time the picture saw the light at a traveling exhibition. Today you can admire it in the Tretyakov Gallery.