The artist of the painting is Ivan Tsarevich on a gray wolf. Viktor Vasnetsov - Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf

Viktor Vasnetsov’s painting “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf” is perhaps one of the most folklore works Russian visual arts. The plot of the film is based on the famous Russian folk tale “Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf.” Ivan Tsarevich with Elena the Beautiful, who he stole, flee from pursuit on the Gray Wolf - true friend Ivana. The prince looks around carefully and presses his beloved tightly to his chest. Elena, subdued and indifferent to what was happening, trustingly clung to her savior. She tries not to look around, scared of the chase, dense forest, and even a wolf.

The viewer's special attention is drawn to the Gray wolf with his human eyes. This unusual character: The gray wolf is a werewolf, a werewolf, as it used to be called. But both in the Russian folk tale and in the painting, his image is positive, full of courage and fidelity.

The gray wolf easily carries his riders away from pursuit. He runs barely touching the ground, as if soaring over a gloomy swamp in the middle of a dense forest. In the picture in this forest, swamp lilies and apple tree flowers stand out as bright spots. An apple tree in the middle of a dense forest, in a swamp? With this the artist refers us to the plot folk tale- after all, the adventure began with the apple tree with golden apples.

The clothes of the heroes of the canvas are also fabulous. Ivan Tsarevich, dressed in a caftan embroidered with gold, and Elena in silk blue dress stylistically complement each other. And the Gray Wolf is not gray at all, the color of his fur echoes the color of the prince’s clothes. The whole picture creates the mood of a fairy tale, a miracle, a riddle.

Year of painting: 1889.

Dimensions of the painting: 249 x 187 cm.

Material: canvas.

Writing technique: oil.

Genre: mythological painting.

Style: romanticism.

Gallery: State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia.

Other paintings by the artist:

Description of the painting by Viktor Vasnetsov “Alyonushka”

Description of the painting by Viktor Vasnetsov “Bogatyrs”

Description of the painting by Viktor Vasnetsov “The Knight at the Crossroads”

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 escape pursuit by rushing through dense forest thickets astride the Gray Wolf. The Tsarevich peers anxiously into the surrounding forest - if the fugitives are overtaken, inevitable separation awaits them. At the same time, he confidently and tightly holds Elena, who has practically submitted to fate and is frightenedly clinging 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 fairy tales Russian fine arts. This painting was painted by the artist in 1889 during the period when he was working on the painting of the Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv. In order to create the painting, 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 pose 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 repeatedly won victories in confrontations with the enemy, the Tsarevich inspires respect and trust. He carefully holds the hand of Elena the Beautiful, tired from the long and dangerous road.

The figure of the Gray Wolf is of particular interest to the viewer. This fabulous predator 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 fairy wolf 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 where no man has ever set foot. One gets the feeling that the entire group of heroes seems to be floating above a swamp, surrounded by ominous forest thickets.

The wolf vigilantly peers into the space ahead, choosing a path. The open mouth and protruding tongue indicate that he is having difficulty overcoming fatigue and holding on. last bit of strength. The wolf's paws are spread wide, and 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 brocade caftan, belted with a green sash. A sword is visible behind his back. The Tsarevich's caftan decorated with gold harmonizes perfectly with Elena's exquisite robe, made of blue silk. Combination of gold and blue flowers V Slavic mythology indicates a connection with the world of magic and miracles.

Elena the Beautiful personifies a Russian beauty with long hair brown hair. Her neck is decorated with pearl beads, and her feet are wearing morocco boots. On the princess's head is an exquisite headdress, decorated precious stones.

The artist masterfully conveys by pictorial means clothing material of the main characters. Looking at the canvas, the viewer feels the heaviness 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 “Alenushka,” Vasnetsov did not place on external features, but on the mood and posture of the heroine.

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

Composition Analysis

The vertical composition of the painting evokes in the viewer a feeling of impending danger and alarming uncertainty. The main characters seem to be enclosed in a red quadrangle: the Tsarevich’s red hat, red scabbard, red boots and the red tongue of the wolf. It is the color red that helps create the feeling of approaching danger.

The surrounding landscape emphasizes the anxious mood of the fugitives. The action of the picture takes place against the backdrop of the morning dawn, on foreground The swamp darkens menacingly, and the gray-purple sky is barely visible behind the thick branches of giant trees. The dense forest looks ominous. Huge trees covered with moss stand as an impenetrable wall, but in front of good characters fairy tales, they seem to part, helping to escape from pursuit.

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

A blooming apple tree also symbolizes the beginning of a new life and love; it instills in the viewer hope that everything will end well. The silvery-white flowers of the tree echo Elena’s outfit and tie the whole color scheme paintings. The canvas is filled with a mysterious shimmer that evokes a feeling of touching a miracle.

Vasnetsov in Once again proved that he is consummate master 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 with Ivan Tsarevich, with Elena the Beautiful on the way back - he misses the blue forests, sweeps rivers and lakes with his tail...”.

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

The picture is made in contrasting colors, emphasizing the eternal struggle between good and evil. Dark colors, which depict a forest, 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 Helen the Beautiful and the Tsarevich immerses the viewer in the world of Russian folklore, helping to believe in the triumph of good over evil. Currently, the painting is in the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery.

Essay based on the painting by V. M. Vasnetsov “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf”

The famous Russian artist Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov is an unsurpassed master of folklore and historical painting. His paintings “The Knight at the Crossroads”, “Alyonushka”, “Bogatyrs” and many others are widely known.

The painting “Tsarevich Ivan on the Gray Wolf” was painted by V. M. Vasnetsov in 1889 based on the plot of a famous Russian folk tale, lines from which are involuntarily remembered when viewing the painting:

“The gray wolf rushed with Ivan the Tsarevich, with Elena the Beautiful, on the way back - he lets the blue forests pass his eyes, sweeps rivers and lakes with his tail...”

Looking at the picture, the viewer seems to be immersed in Magic world, finding yourself next to the main characters of the fairy tale: Ivan Tsarevich and Elena the Beautiful, who are riding the Gray Wolf away from the possessions of the evil king.

Sitting on his faithful friend, Ivan Tsarevich tightly and carefully hugs Elena the Beautiful. He is wearing a beautiful caftan made of expensive brocade, belted with a green sash, black gloves with a pattern, a red cap on his head and beautiful red boots. Ivan Tsarevich has a serious expression on his face. His big eyes They anxiously peer into the distance: is there someone chasing them? Will the villain take away his happiness? A sword is visible behind the protagonist’s back: good fellow always ready to defend.

Sitting next to him is Vasilisa the Beautiful, a Russian beauty with long curly brown hair that flutters in the wind. She is wearing a beautiful light blue silk dress with gold trim on the sleeves and bottom of the robe. The beauty's neck is decorated with pearl beads. She has beautiful morocco boots on her feet. Her head is covered with a beautiful cap decorated with precious stones. The girl laid her head on the chest of her savior, she had a thoughtful look. The princess placed her fate in the hands of Ivan Tsarevich and humbly folded her hands in front of her. The image of Vasilisa the Beautiful was painted by the artist from his niece, Natalya Anatolyevna Mamontova.

The Gray Wolf is depicted in motion. He runs as fast as he can so that they don’t catch up with him. Ears fairy tale character pressed to the head, the tongue protrudes from a huge toothy mouth, but the eyes do not express malice. Strong paws lifted off the ground to take another long leap across the swamp.

The heroes of the fairy tale are depicted against the background of a landscape. It can be seen that their path passes through an old forest. The centuries-old trees were overgrown with green moss, their bark was bursting and torn off in places. The forest is gloomy and scary, it symbolizes the evil forces that surrounded the main characters. There is an impenetrable thicket around. Gnarled dark branches hinder the fugitives. Beautiful white water lilies growing in the swamp and soft pink flowers of an old apple tree with bright green leaves symbolize hope for salvation and a happy ending.

The painting is made in contrasting colors: the dark colors of the forest are a symbol of evil forces, anxiety and danger. The main characters of the painting are written in bright light colors- these are good, bright forces. The struggle between good and evil will certainly end with the victory of the former, as all Russian folk tales traditionally end.

V. M. Vasnetsov in the film “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf” created the magical world of Russian folk tales. Re-reading Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf, one certainly remembers this work of painting, which remains in the memory inextricably linked with the Russian folk tale.

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 escape pursuit by rushing through dense forest thickets astride the Gray Wolf. The Tsarevich peers anxiously into the surrounding forest - if the fugitives are overtaken, inevitable separation awaits them. At the same time, he confidently and tightly holds Elena, who has practically submitted to fate and is frightenedly clinging 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 painting was painted by the artist in 1889 during the period when he was working on the painting of the Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv. In order to create the painting, 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 pose 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 repeatedly won victories in confrontations with the enemy, the Tsarevich inspires respect and trust. He carefully holds the hand of Elena the Beautiful, tired from the long and dangerous road.

The figure of the Gray Wolf is of particular interest to the viewer. This fabulous predator has human eyes, which means 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 fairy-tale 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 where no man has ever set foot. One gets the feeling that the entire group of heroes seems to be floating above a swamp, surrounded by ominous forest thickets.

The wolf vigilantly peers into the space ahead, choosing a path. The open mouth and protruding tongue indicate that he is struggling to overcome fatigue and is holding on with all his strength. The wolf's paws are spread wide, and 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 brocade caftan, belted with a green sash. A sword is visible behind his back. The Tsarevich's caftan decorated with gold harmonizes perfectly with Elena's exquisite robe, made of blue silk. The combination of gold and blue colors in Slavic mythology indicates a connection with the world of magic and miracles.

Elena the Beautiful personifies a Russian beauty with long brown hair. Her neck is decorated with pearl beads, and her feet are wearing morocco boots. On the princess's head is an exquisite headdress decorated with precious stones.

The artist masterfully conveys through pictorial means the material of the main characters’ clothing. Looking at the canvas, the viewer feels the heaviness 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 “Alenushka,” Vasnetsov placed not on external features, but on the heroine’s spiritual mood and pose.

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

Composition Analysis

The vertical composition of the painting evokes in the viewer a feeling of impending danger and alarming uncertainty. The main characters seem to be enclosed in a red quadrangle: the Tsarevich’s red hat, red scabbard, red boots and the red tongue of the wolf. It is the color red that helps create the feeling of approaching danger.

The surrounding landscape emphasizes the anxious mood of the fugitives. The action of the picture takes place against the backdrop of the morning dawn, in the foreground the swamp is menacingly dark, and the gray-purple sky is barely visible behind the thick branches of giant trees. The dense forest looks ominous. Huge trees covered with moss stand as an impenetrable wall, but they seem to make way for the good characters of the fairy tale, helping them escape from pursuit.

A blooming apple tree and marsh water lilies bring life 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 narrative. After all, it was from the apple tree that brought golden apples that the whole story began.

A blooming apple tree also symbolizes the beginning of a new life and love; it instills in the viewer hope that everything will end well. The silvery-white flowers of the tree echo Elena’s outfit and tie the entire color scheme of the picture into a single whole. The canvas is filled with a mysterious shimmer that evokes 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 with Ivan Tsarevich, with Elena the Beautiful on the way back - he misses the blue forests, sweeps rivers and lakes with his tail...”.

The artist placed 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. The bright colors that dominate the appearance of the main characters emphasize their belonging to everything good and bright.

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