Painting "Ivan Tsarevich on a gray wolf": main characters, description. Description of the painting by Vasnetsov “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf

  • 06.05.2019

This painting was painted by Vasnetsov at the age of 38. At this time, Viktor Mikhailovich often thought about his past and future, what needed to be done, how to live and work in order to realize his plans. His position among artists was precarious, although he was praised, but he sensitively understood that the rejection of artists extended precisely to those works where he greater strength tried to express the Russian soul. In these works he did not think about himself and for some reason they did not receive the praise they deserved, causing cold misunderstanding among his colleagues. But the author, of course, did not think about universal approval when he worked on the paintings; there was only one desire, that, like himself, people would be imbued with a love for wondrous beauty ancient Rus', took her story to heart. The artist’s painting “Ivan Tsarevich on a Gray Wolf” was painted in 1889, when the author worked in Kyiv, in the Vladimir Cathedral. He interrupted his work in 1888 and began painting the painting “Ivan Tsarevich on a Gray Wolf.” After finishing work on the canvas, the painting was exhibited on a mobile art exhibition. The painting, which is an illustration of the famous Russian fairy tale, depicts main character who rushes on Gray Wolf with Elena the Beautiful through the dark forest, running away from pursuit. The image of the princess was borrowed by Vasnetsov from a sketch of Savva Mamontov’s niece Natalia, written in 1883. In order to fully show the personification of fabulousness in the painting “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf,” Vasnetsov tried to move away from the realities of life and convey the mysterious spirit of Russian fairy tales by coloring various colors the world of people's fantasies. 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 the 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 entire being is in fear. And meanwhile, Elena the Beautiful, who is in the strong hands of her savior, believes that Ivan Tsarevich, who always defeats his enemies, will win this time too. The author showed the wolf in the picture as powerful and huge. The blossoming apple tree in the foreground seems to tell the story of the beginning new love and life.

Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov is one of the greatest Russian painters, known for his beautiful works in the genre of historical and folklore painting.

Brief biography of V.M. Vasnetsova

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

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

Vasnetsov is best known for his paintings of epic historical themes: “After the massacre of Igor Svyatoslavich with the Polovtsians” (1880), “Alyonushka” (1881), “The Knight at the Crossroads” (1882), “Bogatyrs” (1881–1898), “Tsar Ivan Vasilyevich the Terrible" (1897).

One of the people’s favorite paintings is “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf” (1889). A fairy tale, familiar to everyone from childhood, literally comes to life on Vasnetsov’s canvas.

The history of the creation of V. Vasnetsov’s painting “Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf”

All artists prepare differently for creating their creations. Some people nurture an idea in their heads for a long time, outline a plan, prepare hundreds of sketches - and only then start working. Others act under the influence of feelings, intuitively. The painting “Tsarevich Ivan and the Gray Wolf” was painted according to the second option.

In 1889, Vasnetsov was engrossed in work at the Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv (painting 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 painting, we had to temporarily suspend work in the Kiev Cathedral - and, as a result, now the whole world can enjoy a beautiful canvas that embodies all the sincere human feelings and Russian folk culture.

The workbook is included in the set 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 main general education and ensuring the continuity of teaching fine arts in primary and secondary schools. Special signs mark tasks aimed at developing meta-subject skills (planning activities, identifying various features, comparing, classifying, establishing cause-and-effect relationships, converting information, etc.) and personal qualities students.

Fugitive Heroes

Central characters folk tale Ivan Tsarevich, Elena the Beautiful and the Gray Wolf are depicted on the canvas by the hand of a master. Three heroes escape from pursuit, rushing to meet their fate through an impassable and dense forest.

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

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

Long hair Helen the Beautiful waves fall onto her shoulders and flutter in the wind from her fast jump. The girl is wearing a lovely dress of heavenly color with gold trim. Elena has golden boots on her feet, and on her head is a rich cap with precious stones. A string of pearls adorns the fugitive'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 people. The Gray Wolf runs at colossal speed, escaping from pursuit - his 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 fugitives and rush forward rapidly.

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  • Introduction to the Visual Arts Learning Space

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

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

Under the paws of the Wolf lies a swamp, on the sides are centuries-old trees covered with moss, spruce and an untrodden path. It seems that they will perish fairy-tale heroes 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 people. A tree in bloom and marsh water lilies symbolize hope, new life, happiness and love. The apple tree, from whose fruit the story of the heroes began, with its velvety-airy flowers miraculously “echoes” the attire of Helen 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 Helen the Beautiful, the canvas seems to glow from within, possesses true magic and bestows faith in miracles.

"Path to the Light"

The skill of Viktor Vasnetsov makes the characters in the picture come to life before our eyes. The fugitives are captured at the moment of movement, “snatched” from their rapid 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 “Tsarevich Ivan on the Gray Wolf” needs to be peered at and admired. This is not just an image of favorite heroes known from childhood, but a real song to Russian legends and epics, a reflection of the struggle between good and evil and the thorny path to a happy future. Famous painting Viktor Vasnetsov exhibits at the State Tretyakov Gallery. You can visit at any time art gallery and enjoy this picture and other creations of the brilliant artist.

3rd grade students

During the lesson, the children were offered a painting by Vasnetsov " Ivan Tsarevich and the gray wolf." After carefully viewing the plot of the picture and discussing the life and work of the artist. The children wanted to write an essay and show it to another class. The next day the essays were ready. Here are some of them. (The children chose themselves.)

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An essay based on the painting by V. Vasnetsov “Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf.”

In the foreground we see a gray wolf carrying Ivan Tsarevich and Elena the Beautiful on his back. They rush from Koshchei the Immortal through a dark dense forest. Elena the Beautiful is beautiful blue dress with an orange hem. My hair was tousled by the wind. The prince is wearing an embroidered gold camisole with a green sash. He carefully supports Elena's hand. The princess is tired of long journey and fell asleep on the chest of Ivan Tsarevich.

On the wolf's path there are thickets of thorny bushes that prevent him from escaping. In this dense forest there are old huge trees. The rays of the sun cannot break through the thick crowns, so this forest appears dark and dense.

I loved it.

(Pavlishche Rita)

Fairy tales we know and love with early childhood. Fairy tales feature brave heroes who are helped by animals and various forces of nature.

Here in this picture we see an episode from a Russian folk tale about Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf. Before us is an impassable thicket of a dense dark forest. In this dense forest we see old mighty trees, through which we can barely make our way sunlight. Everything is gloomy in the forest. Against the backdrop of a dark forest, the artist depicted Ivan Tsarevich and his bride riding a Gray Wolf.

This is one of the last episodes of the fairy tale, when the Gray Wolf helped Ivan Tsarevich and to the beautiful bride escape from pursuit.

(Strigunov Denis)

Before us is a picture of Tsarevich Ivan and the Gray Wolf. It depicts: Ivan Tsarevich, Vasilisa the Beautiful, Gray Wolf. They are running away from being chased. The artist depicted the forest in dark colors to reflect the tension of the chase, their anxiety and fear that they might be caught up. Ivan Tsarevich looks back to see what is behind him. The gray wolf runs at full speed, ears back. He knows that everyone's life depends on him. Vasilisa - Beautiful trusts his friends. The forest is depicted not completely dark, the light sky peeks through it. This means that everything will end well.

I liked this picture.

(Enina Daria)

V. Vasnetsov painted a picture for the fairy tale “Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf.” In an excerpt from this picture we see how Ivan Tsarevich freed Elena the Beautiful with the help of the Gray Wolf from captivity, galloping through a dark dense forest. We see that Elena the Beautiful is very frightened and clings to Ivan Tsarevich.

Thick tree trunks indicate that the forest is old, the trees are tall, so it is dark in the forest. The gray wolf stuck out his tongue. He has been galloping for a long time and it is difficult for him to carry his riders.

I read a fairy tale and I know that the fairy tale will end well.

(Gogina Polina)

Huge pine trees stand in a centuries-old dense forest. The dark forest keeps its age-old secrets. There are many animals and birds in the forest. Prince Ivan rides on a wild magic wolf with Vasilisa the Beautiful. She is as beautiful as the first spring flowers. Her hair is like sunlight. The sun is invisible among the pines. And the grass seems to be black and green. Among this black darkness, the beauty of the princess is visible.

I liked the picture.

(Studennikova Daria)

The leaves in the field have turned yellow,

And they circle and fly;

Only the spruce trees drooped in the forest

They keep the gloomy greenery.

A beast brave in captivity

He is in a hurry to hide somewhere.

Dark dense forest. Ivan Tsarevich and Vasilisa the Beautiful are riding in the forest on the back of a wolf. Vasilisa pressed herself against the chest of Ivan Tsarevich from the cold. Light breaks through the dark thickets of bushes and tree branches. Vasilisa's hair develops from the wind. Yellowed leaves lie on the ground. It is cold in the forest. The riders are filled with fear. So they want to get out as quickly as possible.

This picture is a little sad.

(Mazina Polina)

In the picture I see Vasilisa the Beautiful and Ivan the Tsarevich sitting on a tired wolf. The wolf even stuck out his tongue from thirst. After all, the road was long. In the picture, Vasilisa pressed herself to the chest of Ivan Tsarevich. Riders make their way through a gloomy, old forest. It's scary and dark. A small ray of sun breaks through the old trees. He barely illuminates the path for the fugitives. Vasilisa is worried in this forest and she wants to get out as quickly as possible.

I read a fairy tale and I think that everything will end well.

(Bredikhina Anastasia)

In this picture we see Ivan Tsarevich and Vasilisa the Beautiful galloping through a dense forest on a gray wolf. Ivan Tsarevich confidently sits on the wolf, tightly pressing Vasilisa the Beautiful to his chest. After some time, Vasilisa fell asleep. The forest is getting darker and denser. On the way of the prince there are huge branches. Soon Vasilisa woke up and became scared. She is shivering from the cold because a strong, stormy wind is blowing right into their faces. Elena's hair was disheveled. She can't look straight because her hair is in the way. Ivan Tsarevich and Vasilisa the Beautiful are wearing elegant clothes. I think they are rushing to their native places.

I think everything is going to be alright.

(Shapinsky Victor)

When I saw the picture, I immediately recognized the heroes of my favorite fairy tale. This tale is about Ivan Tsarevich, Firebird, Gray wolf.

The painting depicts the most interesting point fairy tales. A wolf rushes through a dark dense forest, pressing its sharp ears. Everyone is running from the pursuit of the evil king. Ivan Tsarevich and Elena the Beautiful are sitting on the back of the Gray Wolf. The wolf runs very fast. This is noticeable in the hair of Elena the Beautiful. They develop in the wind and cling to thick tree branches. Ivan hugs the princess tightly to him and carefully looks around the dark, dense forest. Elena the Beautiful is very sad because she does not want to marry the evil king. And only the calm and confident look of the Gray Wolf indicates that this fairy tale will have a happy ending.

(Farmazyan Artem)

The painting “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf” was painted by the Russian painter and architect, master of historical and folklore painting Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov in 1889, based on the plot of a famous Russian folk tale. Looking at the picture, the viewer seems to be immersed in Magic world, finding yourself 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 my devoted friend, Ivan Tsarevich hugs Elena the Beautiful tightly and carefully. 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 adorning 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 their own big eyes he anxiously peers into the distance: are they chasing him? He fears that the villain will take away what is most precious to him - Elena the Beautiful. Behind the back of the main character is a beautiful sword in an equally beautiful case: good fellow always ready to defend.

Sitting next to Ivan Tsarevich is Vasilisa the Beautiful, a Russian beauty with beautiful brown hair flowing in the wind. She wears a beautiful silk dress with a light blue tint and gold trim on the bottom and sleeves. The beauty has pearl beads around her neck and interesting morocco boots on her feet. The beautiful cap covering the girl's head is decorated precious stones. The girl laid her head on the chest of her savior, her gaze was a little downcast 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 peeks out from his huge toothy mouth, but there is no malice in the wolf's eyes. Strong paws, having taken off the ground, are ready to make a long jump through the swamp.

Behind the backs of the characters in the picture, it is clear that their path passes through an old forest. The centuries-old trees are overgrown with green moss, the forest is very gloomy and scary, it symbolizes evil forces who are trying to harm the heroes. There is an impenetrable thicket around. Gnarled dark branches hinder the fugitives. In addition to the old scary trees, the artist also depicted beautiful, attention-grabbing flowers - water lilies growing in the swamp, as well as soft 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 brilliant work of painting certainly comes to mind.

Along with the article “Description of Vasnetsov’s painting “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf” read:

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

The whole world knows such of his creations as “Bogatyrs”, “The Knight at the Crossroads”, “Alyonushka”. The artist’s painting “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf” looked like a fairy tale come to life on canvas. It was written based on 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 step out of the picture and rush into the distance.

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

It happens that artists prepare to paint their works long before the start of work, look at the nature, prepare themselves, so to speak, psychologically, but it also happens quite the opposite - spontaneously. This is exactly how Vasnetsov’s painting “Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf” was created, unplanned. In 1889, the artist was destined to work in Kyiv, where he painted the Vladimir Cathedral. Viktor Mikhailovich loved everything popular, so an excerpt with everything was taken as the basis for the plot of the picture famous fairy tale, created by the people, “Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf.” For the sake of its creation, the artist put aside his work in the cathedral. And, as it turned out, it was not in vain.

This work is one of the best in Russian fine arts. On the canvas we see Ivan Tsarevich and Elena the Beautiful on the Gray Wolf, they rush through scary 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” introduces us to its main characters: Tsarevich, Beautiful Elena and them true friend Gray Wolf.

Ivan Tsarevich, sitting astride the Wolf, carefully and at the same time tightly hugs his beloved Helen the Beautiful. He is dressed in an expensive brocade caftan, belted with a green belt, and has patterned black gloves on his hands. Complement beautiful image The prince has 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 his pursuers are catching up with the fugitives. After all, he has his happiness in his arms, which he will not give to anyone in the world. A sword is visible behind Ivan Tsarevich’s back, this suggests 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 it is moving at high speed. The girl is dressed in a beautiful silk dress of light blue color with gold trim on the bottom and sleeves. Elena has pearl beads around her neck, she is wearing beautiful morocco boots, and a cap with precious stones is on her head. The beauty bowed her head to her lover's chest, looking thoughtful. The girl humbly holds her hands in front of her, this indicates that the fugitive has entrusted her life to the Tsarevich. Vasnetsov wrote Elena the Beautiful based on his niece, Natalya Mamontova.

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

“Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf”: description of Vasnetsov’s painting

The landscape depicted on the canvas emphasizes the anxiety of the fugitives. They rush against the backdrop of the morning dawn, in front of them is a dark swamp, huge trees around, and the gray-purple sky can be seen a little through them. But this whole threatening picture is smoothed out blossoming apple tree There are beautiful marsh water lilies ahead. The apple tree reminds us of the beginning of the fairy tale, because it was with 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 worried, but at the same time full of hope for a bright future. The white flowers of the apple tree are in perfect harmony with Elena’s outfit. A flowering tree is a symbol of the beginning of a new and beautiful thing - 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 fabulous miracle and magic.

Viktor Vasnetsov created a living fairy tale on canvas

The painting “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf” once again shows the enormous talent of Viktor Vasnetsov. The master has placed the characters in such a way that they appear to have come to life. It seems that in just a moment the Gray Wolf, jumping out of the canvas, will rush into the distance along with his friends.

A fabulous, beautiful painting “Ivan Tsarevich on the Gray Wolf”! The description of Vasnetsov’s painting is worthy of attention; it depicts 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 complete darkness, surrounded by darkness, which opens up before the fugitives, and ahead is a swamp, but not a gloomy one, but with water lilies and a blooming apple tree. Everything taken together shows the victory of good over evil.

Fairytale canvas in given time located 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.