Vasnetsov Viktor Mikhailovich is a wonderful Russian artist. In the skill of writing historical and folklore painting, he has no equal.

The whole world knows such his creations as "Bogatyrs", "Knight at the Crossroads", "Alyonushka". The painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" turned out by the artist, like a revived fairy tale on canvas. It was written according to the plot of a folk tale, when you look at it, you immediately remember your childhood and wonderful stories about fairy tale characters. The main characters look as if they are about to leave the picture and rush into the distance.

Painting by V.M. Vasnetsov "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf": the history of creation

It happens that artists prepare to write their works long before the start of work, look at nature, tune in, so to speak, psychologically, but it happens quite the opposite - spontaneously. Just like that, Vasnetsov's painting "Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf" was not planned. 1889 was an artist intended to work in Kyiv, where he painted the Vladimir Cathedral. Viktor Mikhailovich loved everything folk, so an excerpt from the well-known fairy tale created by the people, “Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf”, was taken as the basis for the plot of the picture. For the sake of its creation, the artist postponed his work in the cathedral. And, as it turned out, not in vain.

This work is one of the best in Russian fine art. On the canvas we see Ivan Tsarevich and Elena the Beautiful on the Gray Wolf, they rush through the terrible forest, running away from their pursuers, flowering trees and a happy future await them ahead.

The main characters of the picture

The painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" presents us with its main characters: the Tsarevich, the Beautiful Elena and their faithful friend the Gray Wolf.

Ivan Tsarevich, sitting astride the Wolf, carefully and at the same time tightly hugs his beloved Elena the Beautiful. He is dressed in an expensive brocade caftan, belted with a green belt, and patterned black gloves are on his hands. The beautiful image of the Tsarevich is complemented by a red cap on his head and red boots. the main character is very serious, with anxious eyes he peers into the distance, worrying about whether the pursuers are catching up with the fugitives. After all, in his arms is his happiness, which he will not give to anyone in the world. A sword is visible behind Ivan Tsarevich, this indicates that the young man is always ready to fight for his love with a sword in his hands.

Elena the Beautiful sits next to her savior. The long hair of the Russian beauty flutters in the wind, which shows that they are rushing at high speed. The girl is dressed in a beautiful light blue silk dress with gold trim on the bottom and sleeves. On Elena's neck are beads made of pearls, she is shod in beautiful morocco boots, and a cap with precious stones flaunts on her head. The beauty bowed her head to her lover's chest, her gaze thoughtful. The girl humbly holds her hands in front of her, this indicates that the fugitive entrusted her life to the Tsarevich. Vasnetsov wrote Elena the Beautiful from his niece, Natalia Mamontova.

The Gray Wolf is depicted rushing forward at great speed, this can be seen throughout his image: his ears are pressed down, his tongue fell out of his mouth, his eyes are full of anxiety and determination, there is no anger in them, a long fluffy tail flutters in the wind. Strong paws hung in the air before the next jump, he must jump over the swamp in front of the heroes. It can be seen that the Gray Wolf is tired and is holding on to the last of his strength to bring home the precious burden.

"Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf": a description of Vasnetsov's painting

The landscape depicted on the canvas emphasizes the anxiety of the fugitives. They rush against the background of the morning dawn, in front of them is a dark swamp, around huge trees, a gray-purple sky is a little visible through them. But all this menacing picture is smoothed out by a blossoming apple tree in front and beautiful marsh water lilies. The apple tree reminds us of the beginning of a fairy tale, because it was from the golden apples that the adventures of the main characters began.

The painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" perfectly reflects the mood of the characters. They are anxious, but at the same time full of hope for a brighter future. Whites are in perfect harmony with Elena's outfit. A flowering tree is a symbol of the beginning of a new and beautiful - a new life, a new love ... The picture seems to flicker with a mysterious light, the audience gets the impression of the presence of a fairy-tale miracle and magic.

Viktor Vasnetsov created a fairy tale come to life on canvas

The painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" once again shows the great talent of Viktor Vasnetsov. The master placed the heroes in such a way that the appearance of being alive is created. It seems that in another moment the Gray Wolf, having jumped out of the canvas, will rush into the distance along with his friends.

Fabulous beautiful canvas "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf"! The description of the painting by Vasnetsov is worthy of attention, it displays the struggle of two forces. The contrast of dark gloomy colors with light ones reflects the confrontation between good and evil. Behind the heroes is solid darkness, surrounded by darkness, which makes way for the fugitives, and ahead is a swamp, but not gloomy, but with water lilies and a flowering apple tree. All taken together shows the victory of good over evil.

The fabulous canvas is currently in the State Tretyakov Gallery. Such masterpieces of art must be carefully preserved so that many more generations can admire these works of artists from God.

Brief history of creation

Main characters

Composition analysis

Description of the painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" by V. Vasnetsov

Ivan Tsarevich and Elena the Beautiful are escaping from the chase, rushing through dense forest thickets astride the Gray Wolf. With anxiety, the Tsarevich peers into the surrounding forest - if the fugitives are overtaken, an inevitable separation awaits them. At the same time, he confidently and firmly holds Elena, who practically resigned herself to fate and frightenedly clings to her savior, trying not to look around ...

Brief history of creation

Vasnetsov's canvas "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" is rightfully considered one of the most fabulous works of Russian fine art. This picture was painted by the artist in 1889 during the period when he was working on the painting of the Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv. For the sake of creating a picture, Vasnetsov interrupted work in the cathedral for some time. He took the popular folk tale "Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf" as the basis for the plot.

Main characters

The posture of Ivan Tsarevich and the expression on his face indicate that he is wary, but at the same time full of determination and courage. Strong and powerful, having won more than once in confrontation with the enemy, the Tsarevich inspires respect and trust. He carefully holds Elena the Beautiful, tired from a long and dangerous journey, by the hand.

Of particular interest to the viewer is the figure of the Gray Wolf. This fabulous predator has human eyes, from which it follows that the artist depicted a werewolf or werewolf (an ancient Slavic version of the name) in the picture. The wolf's gaze is directed directly at the viewer. At the same time, there is nothing bloodthirsty and wild in his appearance. On the contrary, the image of a fabulous wolf is full of courage and devotion. The Gray Wolf is depicted by Vasnetsov as incredibly powerful. Moving in big leaps, he carries the Tsarevich and Elena through a dense forest thicket, where no human foot has ever set foot. It seems that the whole group of heroes seems to be hovering over a swamp surrounded by ominous forest thickets.

The wolf vigilantly peers into the space ahead, choosing a path. An open mouth and a protruding tongue indicate that he can hardly overcome fatigue and is holding on with his last strength. Wolf paws are widely spread, a long fluffy tail spreads in the wind.

The fabulousness of the plot is emphasized by the clothes of the main characters. Ivan Tsarevich is wearing an expensive caftan made of brocade, belted with a green sash. Behind him is a sword. The caftan of the Tsarevich, decorated with gold, is in perfect harmony with Elena's exquisite blue silk attire. The combination of gold and blue colors in Slavic mythology testifies to the connection with the world of magic and miracles.

Elena the Beautiful personifies the Russian beauty with long blond hair. Pearl beads adorn her neck, and morocco boots are worn on her feet. On the head of the princess is an exquisite headdress decorated with precious stones.

The artist skillfully conveys the material of the clothes of the main characters with pictorial means. Looking at the canvas, the viewer feels the weight of brocade, velvet, morocco and gold embroidery.

Elena herself is sad, but her decoration looks elegant and joyful. This unusually feminine image was painted by Vasnetsov from his niece, Natalya Anatolyevna Mamontova. The main emphasis, as in the case of Alyonushka, Vasnetsov made not on external features, but on the mental mood and posture of the heroine.

The Gray Wolf is also not literally depicted as grey. His golden-brown coat seems to repeat the color of the clothes of the Tsarevich, whom he so faithfully serves.

Composition analysis

The vertical composition of the picture evokes in the viewer a sense of impending danger and disturbing uncertainty. The main characters seem to be enclosed in a red quadrangle: the Tsarevich's red cap, red scabbard, red boots and the wolf's red tongue. It is the red color that helps to create a sense of approaching danger.

The surrounding landscape emphasizes the anxious mood of the fugitives. The action of the picture takes place against the background of the morning dawn, in the foreground a swamp darkens menacingly, behind the dense branches of giant trees a gray-lilac sky is barely visible. The dense forest looks ominous. Huge trees covered with moss form an impenetrable wall, but before the good characters of the fairy tale they seem to part, helping to get away from the chase.

A blooming apple tree and marsh water lilies bring revival to the gloomy landscape. The appearance of an apple tree near a forest swamp seems unusual and alarming. However, this detail is of great importance. It takes the viewer to the very beginning of the fairy tale story. After all, it was from the apple tree that brought golden apples that the whole story began.

A blossoming apple tree also symbolizes the beginning of a new life and love, it gives the viewer hope that everything will end well. The silver-white flowers of the tree echo Elena's outfit and link the whole color scheme of the picture into a single whole. The canvas is filled with a mysterious shimmer, evoking a feeling of touching a miracle.

Vasnetsov once again proved that he is an unsurpassed master of historical and folklore painting. You can describe what is happening in the picture with a line from a Russian folk tale: “The gray wolf rushed off with Ivan Tsarevich, with Elena the Beautiful on the way back - he misses blue forests, rivers, lakes with his tail sweeps ...”.

The artist arranged the characters diagonally, which creates a sense of movement.

The picture is made in contrasting colors, emphasizing the eternal struggle between good and evil. The dark colors in which the forest is depicted symbolize evil forces, anxiety and danger. Bright colors dominating the appearance of the main characters emphasize their belonging to everything good and bright.

A fabulous painting about Elena the Beautiful and the Tsarevich immerses the viewer into the world of Russian folklore, helping to believe in the triumph of good over evil. The painting is currently in the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery.

This picture was painted by Vasnetsov at the age of 38. At this time, Viktor Mikhailovich often thought about the past and the future, what needs to be done, how to live and work in order to fulfill his plan. His position among artists was precarious, although he was praised, but he was sensitive to the fact that the rejection of artists extended precisely to those works where he tried with greater force to express the Russian soul. In these works, he did not think about himself, and for some reason they did not receive the deserved praise, causing cold misunderstanding among colleagues. But the author, of course, did not think about universal approval when he worked on the paintings, there was only one desire, so that, like himself, people would be imbued with love for the marvelous beauty of ancient Rus', accept its history with all their hearts. The artist's painting "Ivan Tsarevich on a Gray Wolf" was painted in 1889, when the author worked in Kyiv, in the Vladimir Cathedral. In 1888 he interrupted his work and began to paint the painting "Ivan Tsarevich on a Gray Wolf". After finishing work on the canvas, the painting was exhibited at a traveling art exhibition. The picture, which is an illustration of the famous Russian fairy tale, depicts the main character, who rushes on the Gray Wolf with Elena the Beautiful through a dark forest, running away from the chase. The image of the tsar was borrowed by Vasnetsov from a study written in 1883 by Savva Mamontov's niece Natalya. In order to fully show the personification of fabulousness in the painting “Ivan Tsarevich on a Gray Wolf”, Vasnetsov tried to move away from the realities of life and convey the mysterious spirit of Russian fairy tales, coloring the fantasy world of the people with different colors. And indeed, the action of the picture takes place in a mysterious fairy-tale forest among giant trees against the backdrop of the emerging morning dawn. With huge leaps, the gray wolf carries Elena the Beautiful and Ivan Tsarevich on his back through a dark, gloomy forest, an atmosphere of anxiety and sadness reigns around the fairy-tale characters, Each of them understands that if they are caught up, separation will inevitably follow and their whole being is in fear. And meanwhile, being in the strong hands of her savior, Elena the Beautiful believes that Ivan Tsarevich, who always defeats his enemies, will win this time as well. The wolf, the author showed in the picture mighty and huge. The apple tree blossoming in the foreground, as it were, tells of the beginning of a new love and life.

Brief biography of V.M. Vasnetsov

Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov was born on May 3, 1848 in the Vyatka province (now Kirov) in the family of a priest. He studied at the theological school, and then at the theological seminary. With the consent of his father, he left the seminary before graduating and went to St. Petersburg to enter the Imperial Academy of Arts. Vasnetsov traveled abroad after graduating from the Academy, but began exhibiting his work in 1869. Participated in expositions of the Wanderers and was a member of the Mammoth circle (an association of Russian intelligentsia, founded in Rome, but developed in the estate of patron S.I. Mamontov in Abramtsevo).

Vasnetsov was a member of the Academy of Arts, had many awards and privileges, took part in the creation of the Society for the Revival of Artistic Rus' (an organization that acquaints the Russian people with its indigenous ancient creativity).

Vasnetsov is best known for his paintings of epic historical subjects: “After the Battle of Igor Svyatoslavich with the Polovtsy” (1880), “Alyonushka” (1881), “The Knight at the Crossroads” (1882), “Heroes” (1881–1898), “Tsar Ivan Vasilievich the Terrible" (1897).

One of the people's favorite paintings is "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" (1889). The fairy tale, familiar to everyone since childhood, literally comes to life on the canvas of Vasnetsov.

The history of the creation of the painting by V. Vasnetsov "Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf"

All artists prepare differently to create their creations. Some people have an idea in their head for a long time, outline a plan, prepare hundreds of sketches - and only then start work. Others act under the influence of feelings, intuitively. The painting "Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf" was painted according to the second version.

In 1889, Vasnetsov was absorbed in work in the Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv (the painting of the cathedral took the artist ten years!). Suddenly, the idea of ​​a painting based on a Russian folk tale about Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf was born. To paint this picture, it was necessary to temporarily suspend work in the Kiev Cathedral - and, as a result, now the whole world can enjoy a wonderful canvas that embodies all sincere human feelings and Russian folk culture.

The workbook is included in the complex of textbooks “Art. Fine Arts” for grades 5–9, developed in the system of the scientific and pedagogical school of Academician V. S. Kuzin on the basis of the Federal State Educational Standard for Basic General Education and ensuring the continuity of teaching fine arts in primary and secondary schools. Special signs mark tasks aimed at the formation of meta-subject skills (planning activities, highlighting various features, comparing, classifying, establishing cause-and-effect relationships, transforming information, etc.) and personal qualities of students.

Fugitive Heroes

The central characters of the folk tale Ivan Tsarevich, Elena the Beautiful and the Gray Wolf are depicted on the canvas by the hand of the master. Three heroes escape from the chase, rushing to meet their fate through the impenetrable and dense forest.

Ivan Tsarevich tightly embraces Elena the Beautiful and anxiously watches to see if their pursuers are catching up with them. His outfit clearly testifies to the high position of the young man - an expensive caftan, a red hat trimmed with fur, black patterned gloves and red patterned boots. Behind the Tsarevich's back is a sword in a sheath - proof that the young man will fight to the last drop of blood for his happiness.

In the arms of Ivan Tsarevich, Elena the Beautiful rides on the Gray Wolf. Her expression is sad and concentrated. She fears for her life and the life of her beloved, she is afraid that they will not be able to escape from their enemies. Her hands calmly (and even limply) lie on her knees, demonstrating the full return of her fate to the power of Ivan Tsarevich. She trusts the young man, but her heart is still not calm, because the chase is very close.

The long hair of Elena the Beautiful falls in waves on her shoulders and flutters in the wind from a quick jump. The girl is wearing a lovely sky-colored dress with gold trim. On Elena's legs are golden boots, and on her head is a rich cap with precious stones. A string of pearls adorns the runaway's neck. The "model" of the image of Elena the Beautiful was the artist's niece - Natalya Mamontova.

The main assistant of a couple in love is depicted as tired, but desperately fighting for the happiness of the young. The Gray Wolf runs at tremendous speed, escaping from the chase - powerful paws are tense, all tendons and muscles are visible. The ears are pressed to the head, and the tongue falls out of the mouth - it is not easy for the beast to carry the fugitives and quickly rush forward.

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The role of the landscape in the painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf"

All nature in the picture reflects the dangerous situation of the heroes, fear for the future, anxiety from what is happening and the test that has befallen them.

A swamp lies under the paws of the Wolf, on the sides - centuries-old trees covered with moss, spruce and an unworn path. It seems that fairy-tale heroes will perish in this impenetrable darkness, the Gray Wolf will get lost and the chase will overtake the fugitives.

But there are bright sides in the landscape in the picture, proving that everything will be fine for the young. The tree in blossom and the water lilies symbolize hope, new life, happiness and love. The apple tree, from whose fruits the story of the heroes began, with its velvety-airy flowers miraculously “echoes” with the attire of Elena the Beautiful, adding tenderness to the picture. Thanks to the combination of a dense forest and a flowering tree, a mighty wolf and small water lilies, the severe anxiety of Ivan Tsarevich and the calm tenderness of Elena the Beautiful, the canvas seems to glow from within, has true magic and gives faith in a miracle.

"Path to the Light"

The skill of Viktor Vasnetsov makes the heroes of the picture come to life before our eyes. The fugitives are captured at the moment of movement, "snatched" from a swift run. It seems that a little more - and the Gray Wolf will jump out of the canvas and run away, continuing to carry the young people.

The painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" must be looked at, admired. This is not just an image of your favorite heroes, familiar from childhood, but a real song to Russian legends and epics, a reflection of the struggle between good and evil and a thorny path to a happy future. The famous painting by Viktor Vasnetsov is exhibited at the State Tretyakov Gallery. At any time, you can visit the art gallery and enjoy this painting and other creations of the brilliant artist.

The painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" by the Russian painter and architect, master of historical and folklore painting Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov was painted in 1889 based on the plot of a famous Russian folk tale. Looking at the picture, the viewer seems to be immersed in a magical world, finding himself next to the main characters of the fairy tale. On the canvas, Vasnetsov depicted Ivan Tsarevich and Elena the Beautiful, riding the Gray Wolf away from the possessions of the evil king.

Sitting on his devoted friend, Ivan Tsarevich tightly and carefully hugs Elena the Beautiful. On it we see a beautiful caftan made of expensive brocade, belted with a green sash, one cannot help but notice the beautiful black gloves with a pattern that adorn Ivan’s hands, Ivan Tsarevich has a red cap on his head, and beautiful red boots on his feet. Ivan Tsarevich has a very serious expression on his face. With his large eyes, he anxiously peers into the distance: are they chasing him? He fears that the villain will take away his most precious thing - Elena the Beautiful. Behind the back of the protagonist is a beautiful sword in an equally beautiful case: a good fellow is always ready to defend himself.

Next to Ivan Tsarevich sits Vasilisa the Beautiful - a Russian beauty with beautiful blond hair fluttering in the wind. She wears a beautiful silk dress with a light blue sheen and gold trim on the bottom and sleeves. The beauty has pearl beads on her neck, and interesting morocco boots on her feet. A beautiful cap covering the girl's head is decorated with precious stones. The girl rested her head on her savior's chest, her gaze slightly drooping and thoughtful. Elena completely trusted Ivan Tsarevich and humbly folded her hands in front of her.

The Gray Wolf hurriedly moves forward. His ears are pressed to his head, his tongue peeps out of a huge toothy mouth, but there is no malice in the eyes of the wolf. Strong paws, having left the ground, are ready to make a long jump through the swamp.

Behind the heroes of the picture it is clear that their path passes through the old forest. Centuries-old trees are overgrown with green moss, the forest is very gloomy and scary, it symbolizes evil forces that are trying to harm the heroes. Around impenetrable thicket. Gnarled dark branches interfere with the fugitives. In addition to the old frightening trees, the artist also depicted beautiful attention-grabbing flowers - water lilies growing in a swamp, as well as pale pink flowers of an old apple tree with bright green leaves, which, I think, symbolize hope for salvation and a happy future.

Vasnetsov in his painting "Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf" created the magical world of Russian folk tales. When you re-read Ivan Tsarevich and the gray wolf, this ingenious work of painting will certainly come to mind.

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