Alexander Ivanov "The feat of a young Kyivian": a description of the painting and the history of its creation

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

Many of us are familiar with the monumental canvases of the Russian artist A. Ivanov. But there are paintings among his works that are little known to the general public. One of them is "The feat of a young Kyivian." Description of the painting will be discussed in this article.

What is shown on the canvas?

In the picture, the artist in the classical antique manner reveals to the audience the image of a young warrior. The young man is half-naked, his body is barely covered by a red cloak. In his hand he holds a bridle.

Next to the main character of the artistic canvas, a hot and bloody battle is depicted: the bodies of dead soldiers lie on the ground, it is clear that a battle is going on in the distance.

The canvas “The Feat of a Young Kiever” can tell the audience a lot. The description of the painting tells us that the artist depicts some important moment in the history of this young man.

What is this moment? Let's analyze it in more detail.

The plot of the work

The author depicts an event that took place in Russian history. Chronicles tell us that in 968 the Russianthe city of Kyiv was subjected to a terrible siege of the Pechenegs. There was no one to protect his native city, because Prince Svyatoslav was on a military campaign at that time.

The people of Kiev would have died if it were not for the courageous act of one of the young men. He knew the Pecheneg language, so, taking the bridle in his hands, he boldly walked through the Pecheneg camp to the river. When he was called, asking where he was going, the young man replied that he was going in search of his runaway horse.

With the help of such a trick, the young man got to the river, and from there he was able to go to the prince's squad and call for help. With the help of his act Kyiv was saved.

"The feat of a young Kyivian": a description of the painting and its genre

This painting is now kept in the Russian Museum. Spectators always pay attention to it, because it is made in a characteristic manner of romanticism.

It should be noted that this is a rather early work of the artist. It was written in 1810.

Then young A. Ivanov put a lot of strength and romantic enthusiasm into his work. "The Feat of a Young Kyivian" is an example of his early creative quest.

The meaning of the work lies in the artist's characteristic conviction that a person, if he is bold and confident in the success of his enterprise, can overcome a lot.

This picture is about love for your people and love for your Motherland, so it always remains relevant. A timid young man turns into a real warrior who was able to accomplish a feat and save his fellow tribesmen.

Much can tell usthe work "The Feat of a Young Kyivian", the description of the painting testifies to its artistic value.