BRYULLOV Karl – Bakhchisarayskiy Fountain 900 Classic russian paintings

Description of the painting "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai" by Karl Bryullov

The great Russian artist Karl Bryullov was a great admirer of Pushkin’s genius. Mourning the poet’s death, the artist regretted not being able to depict him during his lifetime. Having visited the Crimea many times, Bryullov chose the famous "Fountain of Bakhchisarai" as his own monument to the departed genius. Work on the painting, which began a few years after the death of Pushkin, was conducted for a very long time - nearly eleven years. There are many sketches and sketches for "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai" in the diaries and albums Bryullov. In 1849 "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai" was purchased by Grand Duchess Maria Nikolayevna. Now the watercolor canvas is kept in the Pushkin Museum in Moscow.

The fountain itself on the territory of the Khan’s palace in Bakhchisarai had long since become covered with legends and tales. It was built near the mausoleum of one of the concubines of khan Kyrym-Gerei.

There is practically no fountain in the picture. Virtually abandoning the theme of opposing khan’s wives, praised by Pushkin, the artist depicts women enjoying life - they luxuriously recline in the shade of a tree, enjoying sweet fruit. The gorgeous silk garments emphasize the carefree, serene existence of the concubines. A reminder of their unwilling confinement here are the guards, silent, standing in the corners. However, they only guard the fun, the concubines pay no attention to them, they are engrossed in the amusements and pleasures of life. Bryullov masterfully depicted the serene, romantic life of oriental beauties.