January 2 (December 21, old style) marks the 183rd anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Russian painter Vasily Perov. His name is usually associated with famous paintings. "Hunters at rest" and "Troika", where other works are less known, such as, for example, "The Governess's Arrival at the Merchant's House". Many interesting facts are hidden in the details of this picture.
Vasily Perov was often called the successor of the work of the artist Pavel Fedotov, with whose paintings Perov is related to the choice of acute social topics, the critical focus of his work, and the special significance of details that are invisible at first glance. In the 1860s each new picture of Perov became a social phenomenon, his works, revealing the ulcers of society, were in tune with the era of great reforms. The artist was one of the first to draw attention to the powerlessness of ordinary people of his time.
One of these works was the painting "The arrival of a governess in a merchant's house" (1866). Compositionally and stylistically, it is very close to the genre paintings of P. Fedotov; But Perov's work is more tragic and hopeless. In 1865, in search of nature for the planned work, the artist went to the Nizhny Novgorod fair, where merchants from all cities of Russia gathered and "peeped" the necessary types there.
They seemed to have descended from the pages of A. Ostrovsky's works. These notable analogies sometimes even led to the accusation that Perov was secondary to the writer's artistic world. So, for example, I. Kramskoy wrote about this picture: “The governess herself is charming, there is embarrassment in her, some kind of haste and something that immediately makes the viewer understand the personality and even the moment, the owner is also not bad, although not new: taken from Ostrovsky. The rest of the faces are superfluous and only spoil the matter.
It is hardly possible to fully agree with the opinion of Kramskoy. The rest of the characters were by no means "superfluous". A colorful figure of a young merchant, the son of the owner, who stands next to his father and looks at the young lady without hesitation. Commenting on this picture, Perov spoke of "shameless curiosity" - this phrase characterizes the merchant in the best possible way.
The merchant feels himself not only the rightful owner of the house, but also the absolute master of the situation. He stands with his hips akimbo, legs wide apart, his belly stuck out and frankly looks at the newcomer, well aware of the fact that from now on she will be in his power. The reception cannot be called warm - the merchant looks at the girl condescendingly, from top to bottom, as if immediately pointing her to her place in this house.
In the bowed head of the governess, in the uncertain movement of her hands, when she takes out the letter of recommendation, one feels doom and, as it were, a premonition of future death, inevitable due to the obvious alienation of this poor girl to the dark kingdom of the merchant world. Critic V. Stasov defined the content of this picture as follows: "Not a tragedy yet, but a real prologue to the tragedy."
On the wall hangs a portrait of a merchant, apparently the founder of this family, whose representatives are currently trying to hide their true nature behind a decent appearance. Although not everyone succeeds equally. The merchant's wife looks at the girl with undisguised distrust and ill will. She herself is clearly far from those “manners” and “sciences” that the governess will teach her daughter, but she wants everything to be “like people” in their family, which is why she agreed to let the girl into the house.
In the left corner of the doorway crowded servants. They also look at the young lady with curiosity, but there is no arrogance on their faces - only interest in the one that will soon keep them company. Probably, the girl, having received a good education, did not dream of such a fate at all. It is unlikely that at least someone in this house understands why the merchant's daughters need to know foreign languages and high society manners.
The only bright spot in the picture is the figure of the merchant's daughter, to whom the governess was invited. The pink color of Perov is usually used to emphasize spiritual purity. The girl's face is the only one on which, besides curiosity, sincere sympathy is reflected.
Not a single character in the picture can be called superfluous or random, they are all in their place and serve to implement the artistic idea. Perov, like Gogol, whose work he admired, was obsessed with the idea of creating in his works an encyclopedia of Russian types. And he really succeeded. Details play a big role in other works of the artist.
Painting *Arrival of a governess in a merchant's house* in the Tretyakov Gallery
January 2 (December 21, old style) marks 183 years since the birth of the outstanding Russian painter Vasily Perov.
His name is usually associated with the famous paintings "Hunters at rest" and "Troika", where other works are less known, such as "Arrival of a governess in a merchant's house."
Many interesting facts are hidden in the details of this picture.
I. Kramskoy. Portrait of V. Perov, 1881 |
Vasily Perov was often called the successor of the work of the artist Pavel Fedotov, with whose paintings Perov is related to the choice of acute social topics, the critical focus of his work, and the special significance of details that are invisible at first glance. In the 1860s each new picture of Perov became a social phenomenon, his works, revealing the ulcers of society, were in tune with the era of great reforms. The artist was one of the first to draw attention to the powerlessness of ordinary people of his time.
V. Perov. Self portrait, 1870 |
One of these works was the painting "The arrival of a governess in a merchant's house" (1866). Compositionally and stylistically, it is very close to the genre paintings of P. Fedotov; But Perov's work is more tragic and hopeless. In 1865, in search of nature for the planned work, the artist went to the Nizhny Novgorod fair, where merchants from all cities of Russia gathered and "peeped" the necessary types there.
V. Perov. Arrival of a governess to a merchant's house, 1866. Sketch |
They seemed to have descended from the pages of A. Ostrovsky's works. These notable analogies sometimes even led to the accusation that Perov was secondary to the writer's artistic world. So, for example, I. Kramskoy wrote about this picture: “The governess herself is charming, there is embarrassment in her, some kind of haste and something that immediately makes the viewer understand the personality and even the moment, the owner is also not bad, although not new: taken from Ostrovsky. The rest of the faces are superfluous and only spoil the matter.
It is hardly possible to fully agree with the opinion of Kramskoy. The rest of the characters were by no means "superfluous". A colorful figure of a young merchant, the son of the owner, who stands next to his father and looks at the young lady without hesitation. Commenting on this picture, Perov spoke of "shameless curiosity" - this phrase characterizes the merchant in the best possible way.
V. Perov. Arrival of a governess to a merchant's house, 1866. Fragment |
The merchant feels himself not only the rightful owner of the house, but also the absolute master of the situation. He stands with his hips akimbo, legs wide apart, his belly stuck out and frankly looks at the newcomer, well aware of the fact that from now on she will be in his power. The reception cannot be called warm - the merchant looks at the girl condescendingly, from top to bottom, as if immediately pointing her to her place in this house.
V. Perov. Arrival of a governess to a merchant's house, 1866. Fragment |
In the bowed head of the governess, in the uncertain movement of her hands, when she takes out the letter of recommendation, one feels doom and, as it were, a premonition of future death, inevitable due to the obvious alienation of this poor girl to the dark kingdom of the merchant world. Critic V. Stasov defined the content of this picture as follows: "Not a tragedy yet, but a real prologue to the tragedy."
V. Perov. Arrival of a governess to a merchant's house, 1866. Fragment |
On the wall hangs a portrait of a merchant, apparently the founder of this family, whose representatives are currently trying to hide their true nature behind a decent appearance. Although not everyone succeeds equally. The merchant's wife looks at the girl with undisguised distrust and ill will. She herself is clearly far from those “manners” and “sciences” that the governess will teach her daughter, but she wants everything to be “like people” in their family, which is why she agreed to let the girl into the house.
(1833/1834-1882) - a great Russian artist. Known as one of the brightest representatives of the Wanderers. He painted many paintings on genre and everyday topics, as well as portraits, which today are considered masterpieces of Russian art and are in the largest museums. Here we will get acquainted with one of the most interesting paintings by Vasily Perov, which is called " Arrival of the governess to the merchant's house". Size: 44x53 cm. Currently located in the Tretyakov Gallery.
The picture was painted in 1866. The plot of the work in an ironic and critical way shows one of the phenomena of the 19th century, when some segments of the population were absolutely powerless in relation to the rich and those in power. Here a merchant family is represented, headed by the owner of the house, a merchant, who are smugly looking at the new servant-governess. The new governess, taking a job at the service of such people, seems to understand her humiliating position herself. In her posture, humility and humility are read. The very atmosphere of the picture shows the disapproving attitude of the artist to this scene, which he himself probably witnessed. Arrogant masters show no respect for the worker, showing with their appearance where her place is and how she should behave towards them. As an itinerant artist, Perov reflected in his works such themes that were understandable to ordinary people, peasants who worked for the same merchants and were well aware of the vanity of the rich. The lack of nobility of the owners of the house immediately causes some rejection in the viewer, and vice versa - the poor governess, who lowered her head and holds a note of recommendation and her meager belongings in her hands, arouses sympathy and compassion in the viewer.
The scene with the governess is humiliating in the eyes of an ordinary person, and it was this plot that touched and amazed Perov so much that he dedicated his painting to her. The merchant looks very stern, he has a well-fed look and an expensive dressing gown, and his expression suggests that strict instructions will now begin in raised tones. Behind is the same well-fed merchant's wife, who is already ready to recoup on a disenfranchised girl. An even greater rejection from the viewer can be caused by the spoiled son of a merchant, who, with arrogant complacency, watches as the governess suffers in her hopeless situation. The merchant's daughter looks with sincere curiosity. Servants of the merchant's house look out from behind the door. The whole scene looks like an exaggerated caricature, as if ridiculing the vices and the most unremarkable sides of people.
Vasily Perov - Arrival of a governess to a merchant's house
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Description of the painting by Perov “Arrival of a governess in a merchant's house”
It is impossible not to note that Perov was well versed in the technique of painting portraits.
Every detail of the picture is a whole topic for discussion, each character is an open book that can be read to the end, understanding all aspects of the character.
So I liked this picture because all the details are psychologically subtly noticed.
People gathered, everyone is interested to look at the new person who will live in this house.
This girl is hired as a governess in a merchant's house for the youngest of her daughters.
She is afraid of an unknown future, she is in despair that she had to decide on this step.
But no one thinks about the state of the future servant, which obviously brings her to tears.
On the contrary, they examine it like a commodity on the market.
How can such an attitude not frighten her, and not instill excitement in her heart?
The most formidable character in the picture is the owner of the house.
His imperious appearance, tenacious, unkind look, frighten a young girl.
With one of his postures, he wants to "crush" any free-thinking in the servants.
The older daughters, peering over his shoulder, had already adopted their father's habit of seeing people as inferior.
And now they look at the newcomer with contempt.
Even the merchant's secretary, whose role is slightly higher than the position assigned to the governess, looks at the girl with laughter and mockery.
Maybe the young lady will receive support from the servants? No, I did not see on the faces of the servants a hint of pity and sympathy.
There is ridicule on their faces, they sneer at the small baggage, at the humiliation of an inexperienced girl, at her modest appearance.
But, in the picture there is still a person who is glad for the arrival of the governess.
This is the youngest daughter of a merchant.
It is lit with delight and curiosity.
The artist gave her a bright dress and a clear face.
And only this ray of hope can warm the heart of a frightened governess.
I like that Perov even tried to convey the history of the house.
On the walls of the spacious room there are no icons familiar for that time, instead a portrait hangs, one can see the father or grandfather of the merchant, for whom he has respect.
Sturdy furniture, simple decoration.
All this shows a modern family with innovative views and an understandable way of life.
This additional acquaintance with the family helps to better understand his views.
January 2 (December 21, old style) marks 183 years since the birth of the outstanding Russian painter Vasily Perov. His name is usually associated with the famous paintings "Hunters at rest" and "Troika", where other works are less known, such as "Arrival of a governess in a merchant's house." Many interesting facts are hidden in the details of this picture.
Vasily Perov was often called the successor of the work of the artist Pavel Fedotov, with whose paintings Perov is related to the choice of acute social topics, the critical focus of his work, and the special significance of details that are invisible at first glance. In the 1860s each new picture of Perov became a social phenomenon, his works, revealing the ulcers of society, were in tune with the era of great reforms. The artist was one of the first to draw attention to the powerlessness of ordinary people of his time.
I. Kramskoy. Portrait of V. Perov, 1881
V. Perov. Self portrait, 1870
One of these works was the painting "The arrival of a governess in a merchant's house" (1866). Compositionally and stylistically, it is very close to the genre paintings of P. Fedotov; But Perov's work is more tragic and hopeless. In 1865, in search of nature for the planned work, the artist went to the Nizhny Novgorod fair, where merchants from all cities of Russia gathered and "peeped" the necessary types there.
V. Perov. Arrival of a governess to a merchant's house, 1866. Sketch
They seemed to have descended from the pages of A. Ostrovsky's works. These notable analogies sometimes even led to the accusation that Perov was secondary to the writer's artistic world. So, for example, I. Kramskoy wrote about this picture: “The governess herself is charming, there is embarrassment in her, some kind of haste and something that immediately makes the viewer understand the personality and even the moment, the owner is also not bad, although not new: taken from Ostrovsky. The rest of the faces are superfluous and only spoil the matter.
It is hardly possible to fully agree with the opinion of Kramskoy. The rest of the characters were by no means "superfluous". A colorful figure of a young merchant, the son of the owner, who stands next to his father and looks at the young lady without hesitation. Commenting on this picture, Perov spoke of "shameless curiosity" - this phrase characterizes the merchant in the best possible way.
V. Perov. Arrival of a governess to a merchant's house, 1866. Fragment
The merchant feels himself not only the rightful owner of the house, but also the absolute master of the situation. He stands with his hips akimbo, legs wide apart, his belly stuck out and frankly looks at the newcomer, well aware of the fact that from now on she will be in his power. The reception cannot be called warm - the merchant looks at the girl condescendingly, from top to bottom, as if immediately pointing her to her place in this house.
V. Perov. Arrival of a governess to a merchant's house, 1866. Fragment
In the bowed head of the governess, in the uncertain movement of her hands, when she takes out the letter of recommendation, one feels doom and, as it were, a premonition of future death, inevitable due to the obvious alienation of this poor girl to the dark kingdom of the merchant world. Critic V. Stasov defined the content of this picture as follows: "Not a tragedy yet, but a real prologue to the tragedy."
V. Perov. Arrival of a governess to a merchant's house, 1866. Fragment
On the wall hangs a portrait of a merchant, apparently the founder of this family, whose representatives are currently trying to hide their true nature behind a decent appearance. Although not everyone succeeds equally. The merchant's wife looks at the girl with undisguised distrust and ill will. She herself is clearly far from those “manners” and “sciences” that the governess will teach her daughter, but she wants everything to be “like people” in their family, which is why she agreed to let the girl into the house.
V. Perov. Arrival of a governess to a merchant's house, 1866. Fragment
In the left corner of the doorway crowded servants. They also look at the young lady with curiosity, but there is no arrogance on their faces - only interest in the one that will soon keep them company. Probably, the girl, having received a good education, did not dream of such a fate at all. It is unlikely that at least someone in this house understands why the merchant's daughters need to know foreign languages and high society manners.
V. Perov. Arrival of a governess to a merchant's house, 1866. Fragment
The only bright spot in the picture is the figure of the merchant's daughter, to whom the governess was invited. The pink color of Perov is usually used to emphasize spiritual purity. The girl's face is the only one on which, besides curiosity, sincere sympathy is reflected.
Painting *Arrival of a governess in a merchant's house* in the Tretyakov Gallery
Not a single character in the picture can be called superfluous or random, they are all in their place and serve to implement the artistic idea. Perov, like Gogol, whose work he admired, was obsessed with the idea of creating in his works an encyclopedia of Russian characters. And he really succeeded. Details play a big role in other works of the artist.
