Viktor Vasnetsov ~ Painter

Viktor Mikhaylovich Vasnetsov (1848 – 1926) was a Russian artist who specialised in mythological and historical subjects. He is considered the co-founder of Russian folklorist and romantic nationalistic painting ( neo-romanticism), and a key figure in the Russian revivalist movement. Viktor Vasnetsov is probably best noted for his depth of feeling and power of style.

Vasnetsov, who is intricately associated with historical and mythological paintings, initially avoided these subjects at all costs.

While living in France Viktor studied classical and contemporary painting. It was also during this time that he began to discover what would become his primary source of inspiration - Russian mythology and its legends, ballads, and fairytales. The 'folklore outlook' was still very much alive in the northern Russian village where he grew up and Vasnetsov found that his very soul was steeped in the poetry of Russian epic literature. Not only was he one of the first artists to turn to folklore for inspiration, but he also one of the first to study it in terms of method and technique. Thus he became the founder of a new style in Russian painting.

“Tsarevitch Ivan, the Firebird and the Grey Wolf” 1889 (Painting)

In Paris, Vasnetsov starting work on his first fairytale subjects, “Ivan-Tsarevich Riding a Grey Wolf” and “The Friend.” He was also the model for Sadko in Repin’s celebrated painting “Sadko in the Underwater Kingdom.” The large canvas, “Fairground Booths in Paris,” 1876-77 is also a product of Vasnetsov’s Paris period.

“Ivan Tsarevich Riding a Grey Wolf,” 1889, depicts a scene from a popular Russian fairytale. The magical plot has been reflected in numerous literary works and musical pieces. The landscape background was derived from studies made in Abramtsevo. The landscape is very important. Forces of evil surround Ivan Tsarevich and Helen the Fair. The impassable wall of the wood rises in front of them. The artist's imagination has transformed an ordinary wood near Moscow into a fantastic, mysterious wilderness.

A painter, draftsman and graphic artist, Vasnetsov played a primary role in the development of Russian art from the realist traditions of the Wanderers to Art Nouveau.

“A true work of art expresses everything about people,” Vasnetsov believed. “It conveys the past, the present and perhaps the future.”

Fairy Tale HERE

Love and light,

Trace

xoxo