Who were the three heroes really? Description of the painting “Three heroes” by V. Vasnetsov Where are the 3 heroes located

We have known them since childhood, we want to be like them, because they are real superheroes - epic knights. They perform inhuman feats, but they, Russian heroes, also had their own real prototypes.

Alesha Popovich

Alyosha Popovich is the youngest of the trio of epic heroes. He looks the least warlike, his appearance is not menacing, rather bored. This is understandable - he is bored without fighting, without the adventures to which he was prone, since he defeated his enemies not by force, but by ingenuity and cunning. He is the most atypical of all the heroes, not very virtuous, boastful, greedy for the weaker sex.
Traditionally, Alyosha Popovich is correlated with the Rostov boyar Alexander Popovich, about whom there is more than one mention in the Nikon Chronicle. He took part in the Battle of Lipetsk, and died in 1223 in the Battle of the Kalka River.

However, just as you cannot remove words from a song, you cannot remove a feat from an epic. Alyosha Popovich became famous for two main feats - his victory over Tugarin's snake and over the filthy Idolishch. The version of the comparison of the epic hero with Alexander Popovich does not explain any of these achievements, since victories over the filthy Idolishch and over Tugarnin the serpent were won two centuries before the Battle of Kalka.

Another version of who was the prototype of Alyosha Popovich was told by art critic Anatoly Markovich Chlenov. He believes that it is more correct to compare Alyosha Popovich with the boyar’s son and comrade-in-arms of Vladimir Monomakh, Olberg Ratiborovich.

According to the Tale of Bygone Years, it was he who killed the Polovtsian Khan Itlar, who came to negotiate in Pereyaslavl in 1095, by order of the prince, shooting him with a bow through a hole in the roof. Boris Rybakov, in particular, wrote that the name Idolishche, in all likelihood, is a distortion of Itlar through the form “Itlarishche the filthy.” It is characteristic that in the entire epic tradition it is the murder of the filthy Idol that is the only example of the murder of an enemy in the palace, and not in the “open field”.

The second feat of Alyosha Popovich is the victory over Tugarin's snake. Philologists found the prototype of the “snake” back in the 19th century; at the beginning of the 20th century, the version was voiced by Vsevolod Fedorovich Miller. “Tugaryn serpent” is the Polovtsian khan Tugorkan from the Shurakanid dynasty. Sharukan among the Polovtsians meant “snake”.
So everything comes together. According to Boris Rybakov, the name Olberg over time was transformed into the Christian Olesha, and the comparison of Alyosha Popovich with the historical governor Alexander Popovich, according to Dmitry Likhachev, is later.

Nikitich

In Vasnetsov’s painting, Dobrynya is depicted as a mature warrior with a thick beard, while in all the epics Dobrynya is a good fellow. There is an opinion that Vasnetsov painted partly himself in Dobrynya’s appearance. The thick beard seems to hint.
The name “Dobrynya” means “heroic kindness.” The epic Dobrynya also has the nickname “young”, he is strong, and is the protector of “unfortunate wives, widows and orphans.” In addition, he is creative - he plays the harp and sings, he is passionate - he does not avoid playing tavlei. Dobrynya is intelligent in his speeches and knows the subtleties of etiquette. It is clear that he is not a commoner. At a minimum - a prince-commander.
The epic Dobrynya is compared by philologists (Khoroshev, Kireevsky) with the chronicle Dobrynya, the uncle of Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich. Historically, Nikitich is not a middle name; the real Dobrynya’s middle name is quite Hollywood - Malkovich. And there were Malkovichs from the village of Nizkinichi. It is believed that “Nikitich” is precisely the “Nizkinich” transformed by the people.

The chronicle Dobrynya played a big role in the history of Rus'. According to the Tale of Bygone Years, it was he who advised the Novgorod ambassadors to invite Prince Vladimir to their place, and he also facilitated the marriage of his nephew to the Polovtsian Rogneda. For his deeds, Dobrynya, after the death of his brother Vladimir Yaropolk, became a Novgorod mayor and participated in the baptism of Novgorod.

If you believe the Joachim Chronicle, baptism was painful, “Putyata baptized with the sword, and Dobrynya with fire,” the houses of the obstinate pagans had to be burned. Excavations, by the way, confirm the great fire of Novgorod in 989.

Ilya Muromets

Ilya Muromets is the eldest of the “younger heroes”. Everything in it is ours. At first he sat on the stove, then he was miraculously healed, then he served for the prince, quarreled with him from time to time, and after military affairs he became a monk.
The prototype of our main knight is Saint Elijah of the Pechersk, whose relics rest in the nearby caves of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Ilya Muromets had a nickname; he was also called “Chobotok”. Chobotok is a boot. How Ilya Muromts received this nickname can be read in the surviving document of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery: “There is also one giant or hero, called Chobotka, they say that he was once attacked by many enemies while he was putting on his boot, and so In his haste, he was unable to grab any other weapon, so he began to defend himself with another boot, which he had not yet put on, and with it he defeated everyone, which is why he received such a nickname.”

The fact that Ilya Pechersky is Ilya Muromets is confirmed by the book “Teraturgima” published in 1638. In it, the monk from the monastery Afanasy Kalnofoisky says that Saint Elijah, who is also called Chibitko, rests in the caves. The earthly life of the hero "Teraturgimus" dates back to the 12th century.

New evidence of the identity of the historical Elijah of Pechersk and Ilya of Muromets appeared in 1988, when the Interdepartmental Commission of the Ministry of Health of the Ukrainian SSR was sent to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The height of Elijah of Pechersk during his lifetime was 177 cm, which was impressive for Ancient Rus'. The epic's indication of the immobility of St. Elijah until the age of 30 corresponds to data on a long-term spinal disease. According to scientists, the ascetic was a warrior, this was evidenced by calluses on the ribs that had healed after fractures. In addition, many other battle wounds were found on the body, one of which was apparently fatal.

Title of the painting: “Bogatyrs”

Canvas, oil.
Size: 295.3 × 446 cm

Description of the painting “Three heroes” by V. Vasnetsov

Artist: Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov
Title of the painting: “Bogatyrs”
Painting: 1881-1898
Canvas, oil.
Size: 295.3 × 446 cm

Born into the family of a Vyatka priest, V. Vasnetsov grew up in the region where ancient customs and rituals were always revered, epics, fairy tales and legends were told. From a very young age, the future author of paintings on folklore themes was associated with fairy-tale heroes and epic characters.

Then he began to study at the Academy of Arts and began to study not only the techniques of portraiture, but also the history of Rus', which, as we know, is directly related to oral folk art.

Among the first works on the theme of folklore, it is worth mentioning such works as “The Flying Carpet” and “The Knight”, which are famous for the heroes depicted on them, one flying over Russian soil, and the other building to guard its borders. The name of V. Vasnetsov is also known as one of the illustrators of Russian fairy tales, including “Alyonushka”, “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf”, “Sivka-Burka” and many others. Vasnetsov developed this passion for depicting heroes of fairy tales and epics, which many artists have made only part of their creative heritage, which gives the right to consider him an ace in his field. A talented architect and illustrator, he not only depicted pages of our legendary history, but also brought a powerful ideological meaning to it.

One of these paintings is considered to be the famous “Bogatyrs”, who, with the light hand of the painter himself, are called nothing less than “Three Bogatyrs”. The reason for this was the remark to the canvas written by the author: “The heroes Dobrynya, Ilya and Alyosha Popovich on the heroic outing.”

Here, as you might have guessed, three main heroes of the epic epic and three main Russian heroes are depicted, whose images are exploited by domestic politicians and animators - Ilya Muromets, Alyosha Popovich and Dobrynya Nikitich.

The figures of the heroes resemble the titans from ancient Greek mythology, and their horses are appropriate - gigantic and powerful, which raises the assumption that the artist depicted the same qualities of his people. If we talk about the size of the painting, they are no less impressive - 3 meters in height and almost 5 in width.

It took the artist about 30 years to create this masterpiece, and in 1871 he created the first pencil sketch, and from 1881 to 1898 he worked directly on the painting.

Those who have ever seen the painting in the Tretyakov Gallery will certainly say that it is the personification of strength, wisdom, youth and good luck. You have known the names of each of the trinity of heroes since childhood and from cartoons about the adventures of the guards of Rus'. All the images in the picture are symbolic: Dobrynya has knowledge, experience and ingenuity, Ilya is filled with vitality, and Alyosha reflects the lyricism, romance and fun of youth.

The central part of the composition of the canvas is occupied by the figure of Ilya Muromets. The prototype for him was the peasant Ivan Petrov, a man of enormous stature, whose unspent spiritual qualities Vasnetsov saw in his eyes and depicted them in the portrait. In epics, the image of the Russian hero is presented as the image of everyone’s favorite - old, young, children and adults. Ilya Muromets is a very real historical character, and the stories about him are nothing more than chronicles of events. Later, this hero became a monk in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra and is currently canonized. The artist knew these facts, and before the audience appears a mighty warrior and an open person, in whom remarkable strength and breadth of soul were strangely combined. A huge black horse requires a massive metal chain instead of a harness, and its mane flowing in the wind and powerful legs complement the greatness of the hero. Ilya, folding his hand like a visor, looks into the distance, as if looking for an adversary, whom he is always ready to fight back.

Russian legends speak of the excellent education and courage of Dobrynya Nikitich, and the artist himself embodied in him the collective image of the Vasnetsov family - father, uncle and himself. This is the reason why researchers note the similarity of facial features and eye size with the artist's appearance. In the epics, Dobrynya is always young and daring, he is the fellow who wears enchanted armor and a treasure sword, and the artist, on the contrary, portrayed him as a stately and wise man. The hero’s facial features are noble, as if emphasizing his education. But this man is able to stop the enemy not only with the power of words, but also with a sword, which his hand is already ready to snatch from its sheath.

Alyosha Popovich is the youngest of the trio. This slender young man was drawn from the eldest son of the philanthropist Savva Mamontov, Andrei, who died at a young age. They say that he was a cheerful and sociable person, and the artist transferred these features to the picture, depicting Alyosha with a harp attached to the saddle.

Each of the heroes is armed to protect Rus' from the invasion of enemies: Ilya Muromets does not let go of his spear, Dobrynya Nikitich keeps his hand on the sword, and Alyosha Popovich has a bow in his hands. The helmets of the defenders are similar to church domes, which is a symbol of blessed deeds for the sake of their people.

The landscape of the painting is a revelation for the viewer. The epic feather grass, green grass, hills - all this is a collective image of the homeland that every person imagines. If you look at the top of the canvas, you can see an approaching storm. Wind-driven wisps of clouds, moving forest grasses, fluttering horse manes - all this makes it clear that despite the Mongol-Tatar yoke, there are people in Rus' who are capable of protecting others.

One cannot ignore the characteristics of horses, because this animal is an obligatory attribute of every hero, his friend and comrade-in-arms, who is somewhat similar to his owner. Ilya's horse is a stubborn, faithful black who will be with him to the end. Dobrynya has a white horse, proud and full of dignity, which continues the character traits of the rider. Alyosha sits on a red horse-fire, which is filled with ebullient energy, grace and is ready to fight to the end.

“Bogatyrs” is considered the brightest and most powerful picture among all Vasnetsov’s works, because he completely devoted himself to epic plots the way Dobrynya, Ilya and Alyosha did for their homeland.

Victor Vasnetsov’s painting “Bogatyrs” is the artist’s most popular work. It is also, perhaps, considered the most famous canvas in Russian painting. Her reproductions are found in frames on the walls, in illustrated publications, in textbooks...

A few words about Vasnetsov

The child’s imagination was filled with the poetics of epics, songs and fairy tales. When Vasnetsov studied at the Academy of Arts, he studied heroic epics and the history of the Russian people with great interest. His first work was the work “The Knight”. On it he depicted a calm hero who guarded the border.

The ingenious painting “Bogatyrs” was written in the village of Abramtsevo, which is located in the Moscow region. Nowadays many people call this picture “Three Heroes”.

Who is depicted on it?

In the role of Dobrynya Nikitich, he combined portrait images of V.D. Polenov and father, and also added his own features. A simple peasant from Vladimir posed in the image of Muromets. But Alyosha Popovich was a young peasant.

Their images are perfectly chosen and perfectly convey the characters of the riders. In the picture you can also see the behavior of the horses. For example, Ilya’s heroic horse looks ahead with a bloodshot eye. The white horse of the cunning and polite Dobrynya looks into the distance, and the red horse of the brave Alyosha nibbles the green grass, looking in different directions.

The secret meaning of the picture

Vasnetsov in this brilliant work was able to resurrect the powerful images of the defenders of Rus'. The heroes depicted on it understand exactly why they came to the border, whose lives and peace they protect. Their figures on horseback rise similarly to mountains. The artist wanted everyone to see the past of the Russian people and the great future, for which they still have to fight.

Viktor Vasnetsov is one of the most famous artists of pre-revolutionary Russia. His fabulous, fantastic stories are known to almost every schoolchild. Vasnetsov’s painting “Three Heroes” is the largest in size, and in importance, in the artist’s career. It embodied the power, pride, strength, and growth of the Russian people. It is almost impossible to remain indifferent when looking at this work.

But before analyzing the main images, it should be noted that very often the picture is called incorrectly. The real name is “Bogatyrs”, and not “Three Bogatyrs”, as many believe. Although now art critics do not particularly insist on this.

The idea of ​​the painting

The idea for the painting came to the artist much earlier than it was painted. For thirty years, the first sketch, a completely crude drawing, was created during Vasnetsov’s stay in Paris. As the painter himself said, although the work dragged on for a very long time, his hands were still literally reaching out to it. It was his creative duty to write “Bogatyrs”, a duty to every Russian person.

Already in Russia, within the walls of his favorite workshop, Vasnetsov calmly and painstakingly completed the masterpiece. Vasnetsov’s painting “Three Heroes” was released at the very end of the nineteenth century. Immediately after Viktor Mikhailovich finished writing it, it was acquired by Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov for the collection of the world-famous gallery. Vasnetsov’s painting “Three Heroes” is very interesting and also well remembered by the viewer, the photo is located above.

Critical Notes

Reading the critical articles of those to whom Vasnetsov’s painting “Three Heroes” appeared for the first time, one can notice that the reviews about it are only positive. Color, design, perspective and realism - everything in this work causes only admiration. Critic V. Stasov wrote that no other painting is so imbued with patriotism and the spirit of Rus'.

Painting “Three Heroes”, Vasnetsov. Description

This is a real ode to heroism and love for one’s Fatherland. The main characters of the picture have an unusual appearance. Ancient knights appear before the audience, those same epic heroes about whose exploits legends were once written: Alyosha Popovich, Ilya Muromets and Dobrynya Nikitich. So, the film “Three Heroes” was preparing for release for a very long time. Vasnetsov did not leave his own, theoretical description. But there are quite a lot of art historical analyzes of this masterpiece.

Ilya Muromets

In the central part of the picture, the Murom hero Ilya himself sits on a black horse. This image exudes confidence, power and strength. He is strikingly different from the other two heroes in his sophistication and calmness. He is like a mighty oak tree that can’t even handle a storm.

With one hand he shields himself from the sun, looking out for the enemy, a heavy club hangs on his forearm, and with the other he holds a spear. And although Ilya Muromets is depicted in chain mail, with military weapons, there is still nothing dangerous or frightening in this image.

Alesha Popovich

To the right is the youngest hero - Alyosha Popovich. His courage seems a little feigned. He doesn't have as much strength as his comrades. But how beautiful and magnificent this warrior is. He is also not afraid of the battle, and if he has to meet an enemy, he will definitely not let you down. Under his saddle there is a red horse, a harp is tied to the saddle, probably Alyosha Popovich is entertaining the heroes during a difficult and long campaign. His weapons are light - a bow and a quiver of arrows.

Nikitich

Well, the third, already on a white horse, appears before the viewer Dobrynya Nikitich. It differs from the other two images, embodying the knowledge and culture of the Russian people. He is as strong as Ilya Muromets, but this strength is hidden in him. He exudes prudence and thoughtfulness in his actions.

That’s why Vasnetsov’s “Three Bogatyrs” is so good, because you see the heroes all together at once. Their images merge into a single spirit - the spirit of the Russian people. The angle from which the artist started is obvious: the viewer seems to be looking at the heroes a little from below, from the ground, which is why the picture looks so pompous and solemn.

Background

The detailing of the picture is also interesting. The fact is that absolutely everything that appears before your eyes when you look at this masterpiece is symbolic. It is no coincidence that a Russian field and forest were chosen as the background; this inspired landscape seems to have absorbed the mood of the canvas. Dark clouds swirl over the field, the wind develops the horses' manes and yellowed grass. A scary bird flies further towards the forest from the scene of events. All nature seemed to freeze in anticipation of the enemy. The same can be felt in the images of the main characters. The gray tombstones that are located on this field push us even more to the idea of ​​the upcoming slaughter - battles once took place here.

But this gloomy place doesn’t make you scared, because there are three brave heroes, three heroes, defending the Russian borders.

It is interesting that usually in Rus' the word “hero” was given not only the well-known meaning - protector, but also a pious, godly person. Vasnetsov’s heroes can be called just such.

Vasnetsov’s painting “Three Heroes” is still in the Moscow Tretyakov Gallery; next to it you can always see tour groups who linger for a long time to get a better look at the world-famous masterpiece. The canvas by V. Vasnetsov is truly one of the most remarkable creations of Russian artists.

Many painters were interested in history, folklore and ethnography, drawing inspiration from legends, tales, fables and fables. Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov (1848-1926) was no exception. It is his work that will be discussed in our article!

Victor Vasnetsov "Bogatyrs". 1881—1898 Oil on canvas. 295.3 × 446 cm. Photo from the original

How did Vasnetsov’s painting “Three Heroes” appear?

Officially, the artist began working on the canvas in 1881. However, The idea for the panel came to him back in 1871, when visiting the workshop of Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov (1844-1927). Friends were discussing the principles of creativity, and someone said that the legend that formed its basis must set the tone of the entire work. A drawing can only complement and expand an existing impression, but not completely transform it. Immediately after the visit, Viktor Mikhailovich “sketched with a pencil” a long-cherished idea - a trio of mighty heroes on shaggy horses.

The first oil sketch, donated to V.D. Polenov, is now kept in his house-museum. There are two dates on it - “75” and “March 10, 1898”. The first number was entered incorrectly - Vasnetsov finished the canvas shortly after his trip to Paris in 1876-1877. and presented it to a friend. But, having seen the drawing and heard the description of the painting that Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov wanted to create, Polenov refused to take the sketch, saying that he would take it only when the master applied the final touches. It took more than 20 years - and finally, on April 27, 1898, a huge masterpiece (its dimensions are 295.3 * 446 cm) was completed.

The artist also drew other sketches. Among them are the landscapes “Abramtsevo” (1879), “Small woods. Akhtyrka" (1880), "Wooded hillock and distance in Abramtsevo" (1881), portraits "Knight in chain mail" (1880), "Peasant of the Vladimir province Ivan Petrov" (1883), sketches "Horses" (1881), "Chain mail" (1898), “Head of a Peasant” (1898).

Sketch for the foreground of the painting “Bogatyrs” of Abramtsevo
Oil on canvas 19x47.5 House-Museum of V. D. Polenov

Small forest. Okhtyrka
Oil on canvas on cardboard 14 x48 Abramtsevo Museum-Reserve

Landscape of a wooded hillock and distance in Abramtsevo (Landscape near Abramtsevo)
Oil on canvas.34.7x49.3 Tretyakov Gallery 1882

This is what the painter himself said about the painting: “Perhaps I did not always work on “Bogatyrs” with the proper diligence and intensity, but they were relentlessly in front of me, only my heart was drawn to them and my hand reached out! This is my creative duty."

The canvas was highly appreciated by the public and critics. And when Viktor Mikhailovich was visited by the collector P. M. Tretyakov, he was so amazed by the work that he stood in front of it for several minutes, and then immediately concluded a purchase agreement. Thus, “Three Heroes” became one of the last panels included in the catalog of paintings from the world-famous collection. In addition, they took center stage at Vasnetsov’s personal exhibition, organized in March-April 1899.

“Bogatyrs” in the State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

Characters of the masterpiece - sitters and prototypes

Previously, the heroes of legends were considered fictional, but historians' research has shown that there are very real people hiding behind the epic. In particular, the “real” Ilya Muromets was born in the city of Murom (Vladimir region of Russia) in the 12th century. At first he bore the nickname “Chobotok”, but after being seriously wounded he took monastic vows under the name Elijah. The remains of the strongman were buried in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, and in 1643 he was canonized. Having studied the relics, scientists established that the hero suffered from problems with the spine and even reconstructed his appearance - he was a tall (about 182 cm) man with developed muscles.

The artist spent a long time looking for a person from whom he could paint Ilya Muromets. He sketched the peasant Ivan Petrov, a blacksmith from the Abramtsevo estate, a dray driver encountered near the Crimean Bridge in Moscow.

Ivan Petrov, peasant of the Vladimir province
Sketch by Viktor Vasnetsov for the painting “Bogatyrs”. 1883

Alyosha Popovich is the youngest of the three brave men. In epics, his image is quite contradictory - the warrior is distinguished by resourcefulness and cunning, but at the same time, boastfulness, cunning and deceit. In reality, the knight Alexander Popovich was a Rostov boyar, the “brave” (best fighter) of Vsevolod the Big Nest, Konstantin Vsevolodovich and Mstislav the Old, with whom he died in the battle of Kalka in 1223.

The model for the canvas was Andrey, the youngest son of philanthropist and industrialist Savva Mamontov. The boy first posed for the painter when he was not yet 13 years old. From Vasnetsov’s painting it is easy to grasp the cheerful, complacent, sincere character of the young man.

Andrey Savvich Mamontov, the youngest son of philanthropist and industrialist Savva Mamontov

Dobrynya Nikitich is an intelligent and educated “servant” of the prince, that is, an ally of the ruler, to whom he entrusts the most difficult and dangerous tasks. His historical prototype is Voivode Dobrynya, uncle of Vladimir Krasnoye Solnyshko. And the hero’s appearance was copied... from Viktor Mikhailovich himself! However, some researchers believe that this is a collective image of the entire Vasnetsov family.

The prototype of Dobrynya is considered to be a collective image of the entire Vasnetsov family

Thanks to the hard work and diligence of the artist, the panel turned out to be not only colorful and attractive, but also reliable - everything, from the clothes of the soldiers and their weapons to the harness of the horses, exactly corresponds to the archaeological finds of that period. That is why the painting is still so popular - the hall of the State Tretyakov Gallery, where it is located, is constantly visited by excursions, reproductions of the masterpiece are in many homes and institutions, and middle school students even write essays on the painting!

The symbolism of Vasnetsov’s painting

The artist perceived the heroes as the mythical embodiment of the creative energy of nature. They personified the continuity of generations, the indissoluble connection of ancestors and descendants, the rich heritage left by the people who inhabited these lands.

Vasnetsov gave each warrior individuality, endowing him with personal qualities. So:

• Ilya Muromets symbolizes thoroughness, prudence, slowness. He is the bearer of folk wisdom, experience and traditions.
• Nikitich appears in the guise of a brave defender of his family and Motherland, serving it until his last breath.
• Alesha Popovich, on whose belt both a sword and a harp hang, embodies two principles at once - a brave fighter and a poet, sensitive to any manifestations of beauty.

The choice of landscape is also not accidental. The cloudy sky hanging low over the heads of the heroes reminds them that they must constantly be on guard - in the words of the painter, “to notice in the field whether there is an enemy, whether someone is being offended.”

However, you can understand the meaning of the work only by looking at it up close - and buy one that completely replicates the original, our