A huge contribution to the development of the Russian art school was made by V.I. Surikov. An outstanding traveling artist, academician for his creative life created the brightest large-scale historical canvases. Surikov's paintings are known far beyond the borders of Russia. Representing significant historical events in Russia, Surikov became one of the leading artists of the world scale.
Great paintings of Surikov's historical genre
1
Morning of the Archery Execution (1881)
The most-large-scale historical canvas of the artist measuring 218 × 379 cm will open our list on most-beauty. Now it is in one of the central halls of the Tretyakov Gallery. There are always a lot of spectators around this picture. And not in vain, because the events depicted by V.I. Surikov belong to one of the most tragic moments in the history of the Russian state.
The era of the reign of Peter the Great was painted not only with bright colors of victories and great achievements. The Streletsky rebellion under the command of Princess Sophia, the king’s sister, was brutally suppressed, and thousands of archers were sent to the chopping block. The moment of farewell of the archers to their families is so realistic that it gives the impression of a presence. The viewer becomes a participant and witness of what is happening.
Two views intersect in the picture with a diagonal: the first look of young Peter I is angry, majestic, incinerating, and the second look belongs to the red archer, shackled into blocks. Sagittarius did not obey the royal will, and is ready for death. The central figure of the archer demonstrates submission to the verdict. The execution takes place on Red Square near the Kremlin, and it finally secures the reign of Peter on the Russian throne. The tragedy of the painting is emphasized by the gloomy tones and grayness of the autumn morning.
2
Menshikov in Berezovo (1883)
This painting tells about the last years of the life of a close friend and favorite of Peter I, and now the disgraced prince Alexander Menshikov. He is depicted with his son and daughters. The splendor of the Tsar’s ally was replaced by cold and hopelessness of exile in the remote village of Beryozovo. Menshikov sits in an armchair wrapped in a sheepskin coat. His left hand is clenched nervously. The hair on the head is disheveled.
And once Alexashka Menshikov, a native of ordinary people, shone in the most expensive and majestic wigs of that era. The pejorativeness of the situation that this great man has fallen underlines the dark low ceiling. It’s cold in the hut, all the children are warmly dressed. One of the daughters reads the bible, the rest sit longingly beside her father.
3
Boyar Morozova (1884-1887)
Surikov took three years to create this huge canvas (and the size is really impressive: 304 × 587.5 cm). The titanic preparatory work on the painting brought stunning results. Sketches created by Surikov became independent finished paintings.
This painting is truly the greatest masterpiece of painting. Heavy sledges drag through the crowd the rebellious noblewoman-schismatics. She raised her hand over the crowd with double-skinned, a symbol of the old faith. As the artist said, he was tormented for a long time with the question of how to create the appearance of a sleigh movement. The find was amazing.
The running boy “pushed” heavy sledges from the spot, which left a deep mark in the loose snow. Much has been written about this snow. He is amazing, lively and cold. The barefoot holy fool, sitting in the snow, frantically squeezed his toes from the cold. He answers the noblewoman with a two-faced sign of the cross. The crowd of mourners, noblewoman Morozova, is full of emotions. Boys tease disgraced noblewoman, women sympathize. Many escort her in silence. Church schism was one of the terrible pages of Russian history.
4
The capture of the snowy town (1891)
This funny, mischievous, festive picture is the exact opposite of V. Surikov’s previous works. Shrovetide festivals have always been accompanied in Russia by fun games. People built a snow fortress. Two teams participated in the game: one group defended the fortress, and the second tried to capture it. The weapon in this battle was laughter, joyful screams and snowballs.
The painting shows the climax of this ancient Cossack game. A horseman flying at the spectators with excitement destroys the fortress, a crowd with twigs greets him. No wonder Surikov was called a wizard, so vividly depicting snow. His kingdom of snow is beautiful, airy and filled with a range of shades. “Taking the snow town” is the culmination of the work of the great painter V. Surikov.
5
The Conquest of Siberia by Ermak Timofeevich (1895)
V. Surikov was born in Krasnoyarsk, and he was always interested in the history of the conquest of Siberia. In 1895, a painting was written dedicated to this heroic topic. In 1582, a decisive battle took place between the army of Khan Kuchum and the Cossack army of Yermak.
The artist presented this event as a feat of the Russian people and the Russian army. A huge canvas, measuring 285 × 599 cm, was bought by Nicholas II for 30,000 rubles, and declared a national treasure. For general viewing, the painting was exhibited at the Russian Museum.
By the way, there is a wonderful article on the TOP-10 great military victories over superior enemy forces on our site most-beauty.ru.
6
Suvorov Crossing the Alps (1899)
Another pearl of the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg is a painting by V. Surikov, "Suvorov's Crossing the Alps." The artist came up with the idea of creating this painting in 1895, and its end was timed to coincide with the centenary of this significant transition.
The painting depicts an episode of the conquest of the Ringenkopf Pass by Russian troops led by Suvorov. A steep descent, almost vertical, scares the soldier. Many are baptized. But, the determination and courage of his commander inspires absolute confidence and confidence. Soldiers overcome another obstacle with the courage and dignity that only Russian soldiers are capable of.
7
Portrait of the artist’s daughter in childhood (1888)
A beautiful portrait of Olga's daughter in a red polka-dot dress against a white stove reflects the warm family atmosphere in the artist's house. The letter of the artist is preserved, where he described the process of working on a portrait. He reported: "I am writing a portrait of Olya in a red dress in which she was in Krasnoyarsk ..."
The little ten-year-old girl boldly poses, clutching her favorite doll. The family called this portrait “marvelous,” wonderful. There are no commissioned portraits in Surikov’s work, he painted only members of his family and close friends, and this portrait is a real heirloom, embodying all the artist’s parental love for his daughter.
Do not miss the interesting article on our site most-beauty.ru about the most beautiful dolls in the world.
8
Stepan Razin (1907)
Work on this painting lasted from 1887, almost ten years. During this time, Surikov several times changed the composition, posture and face of Razin. During this period, the artist experienced a personal drama - the death of his beloved wife. In the beginning, he planned to portray the eastern princess near Razin, but after the death of his wife, Surikov portrayed Razin in deep thoughtfulness and loneliness, despite the fact that he was surrounded by Cossack brothers.
The external similarity of the character with the artist also confirms that Surikov emphasized his grief from the loss of his wife with this canvas.
9
Visit to the princess of the convent (1912)
This painting by Surikov is his last major painting work. She talks about the unenviable share of Russian princesses who were destined to languish all their lives in the confinement of their girl's chambers.
The princesses could not marry, since there were no royal Orthodox grooms, overseas grooms were considered heretics, and giving the tsar’s daughter for Russian boyars and princes was unacceptable - they are no match for her. A rare variety in their lives was an exit accompanied by nannies and mothers to bow to the convent.
The touching face of the young princess is submissive and sad. Her fate, at best, is the tower, and at worst, the cell of the monastery, and the greedy monastic rulers will not miss the moment to profit from the dowry of such a “bride of God”.
Surikov painted the image of the princess with the daughter of his friends, who was going to get a haircut in the monastery, and with his granddaughter.
10
Empress Anna Ioannovna on the hunt (1900)
Very interesting Surikovskie watercolors on historical subjects. Such is the watercolor "Empress Anna Ioannovna on the hunt." Anna Ioannovna was a passionate hunter and constantly hunted birds, deer, and other animals. But she was not attracted to the classic hunt with the pursuit, she loved the senseless shooting at live targets.
The empress was known as a great shooter. At the time of the deer hunting, Surikov depicted her from the back, in a decisive position, with a rifle at the ready.
Afterword
Surikov's paintings are an example of the greatest skill in painting. They are in the most famous exhibition halls and museums in Russia. The artist’s talent enables his viewers to immerse themselves in the history of the country, show interest in it, and show the greatness and power of the Russian soul. The editors of most-beauty.ru asks you not to stand aside, and write what beautiful paintings by Surikov you like the most.