Viktor Vasnetsov – Bayan 900 Classic russian paintings

Beautiful, embodying the valiant warriors and strength of Russia

Where is the accordion??? :)

on the right, in white

Oh, Zhekha... You should have studied in school...

Well... I wish there was a caption for this picture... ;)

Oops... I apologize for the mistake, I was in a hurry.

I need to write an essay! Oh no =(

Ugh, thats definitely it.

It would be better if you wrote an essay instead.

Guys, stop crying and share your essays! Someone has already written one! Dont be stingy! Im willing to rewrite it in my own words. I just need to know what to write about!

Its here; you just have to look for it.

I want to write a composition based on the painting...

я нашла)*

Something is just stupid here.

Where did you find that?

I need an essay...

Its a classic, not a cliché.

Valeria Josl, a very serious point. While the image clearly depicts a боян (a type of musical instrument), most online sources agree that this painting is called Баян:
http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Файл:Баян.jpg
http://www.artlib.ru/index.php?id=11&idp=0&fp=2&uid=1671&iid=16269&idg=0&user_serie=0
http://www.artprojekt.ru/gallery/vasnetsov/Vas10.html

If theres proof that everyone is wrong, please provide it. If its an error, we will correct it! The painting has been viewed a lot recently, and someone might need to write an essay about it =) By the way, if youre looking for information, you can always find it; for example, here are a few words:
http://gallerix.ru/read/viktor-mixailovich-vasnecov/14/

The painting is actually called Bayan.

O_o defs, thank you for the website *)

Its a nice picture. But why is the instrument called a баян (accordion)? =))

To address someone in Old Russian is like talking to that ancient figure in white robes; he is the one you should speak to.

The painting is amazing, but I have to write an essay about it! (((

This painting is magnificent!

This is just nonsense. She should go home to her owner, if she has one. And what are we even talking about? What makes her so great? Old people have pots on their heads. If you have complaints, address them to me, my little darlings.

Im more inclined to support Dima Bilan; whatever he does is definitely something ridiculous.

Hello, this is Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin speaking. I hope you remember me. As for the painting, I can say that its past its expiration date. And who are you talking to? Me or those who support the painting?

I know this might not be relevant, but the Ingush people are Muslims. If you have any questions or need help with anything related to them, feel free to contact me. You can translate it however you want; Im not going to judge.

Hey, whats up? What are you talking about? Why are you being so talkative? Well, what do you think makes this picture great?

Well, no matter what, garbage remains garbage.

Here is my essay!

In the beautiful painting Bayan by Vasnetsov, Russian warriors are depicted sitting in a circle around a musician named Bayan. Bayan was an ancient Russian musician and storyteller. He played a musical instrument called a bayan. It gives the impression that a small detachment of armed Russian warriors were heading to some battle when they encountered Bayan and decided to sit down on a hill, rest, and listen to a legend. Among the people sitting in the circle, it is easy to distinguish the leader – he doesnt have a helmet on his head, and his clothes look richer. Perhaps, this is even Prince Igor himself with his retinue. The clouds in the sky, like smoke from fire, create a warlike atmosphere. Bayan is telling his story, his face resembles that of a shaman, and the bowl in the center, within the circle of people, seems like an offering to Slavic gods. The nature in the painting is depicted in muted tones, with predominantly gray and dark colors. Even the grass is a dark green color. The red shields of the warriors and the scarf fluttering in the wind on the spear at the foreground stand out.

The picture is cool, thank you to the user Chochenitel for helping.)

I urgently need an essay...

Here is an essay for you to read!

Essay: Before us is the painting by V. M. Vasnetsov Bayan. This painting is very close to episodes from the ancient Russian work The Tale of Igors Campaign. It has deep roots in folk culture, in the peoples language, and in the peoples worldview. It responded to the peoples aspirations and was created during a time when the process of feudal fragmentation of Russia had reached its peak. Numerous small feudal principalities – half-states – are at war with each other, contesting possessions, seniority, and becoming embroiled in fratricidal wars for selfish princely interests.

In the painting, we see Bayan, Prince Igor, and his retinue. Everyone is listening to Bayan, who is giving instructions and raising the spirit of the troops.

Bayan is dressed in a tunic and wears lapti (traditional Russian footwear). His right hand is raised upwards, while his left hand rests on the gusli (a traditional Russian stringed instrument). He is sitting at the edge, saying something, and everyone is listening attentively.

Bayan is wise, he is a descendant of the pagan god Veles. He is the nightingale of old times. Bayan composed and sang his own songs, accompanying them with playing on some kind of stringed instrument. He was a favorite of Prince Oleg – the progenitor of the princes of the Olegovichi dynasty. His songs were odes to the princes. Bayan sang to Yaroslav the Wise, the brave Mstislav Tmutorokansky, and Roman Svyatoslavich. His strings themselves echoed with praise for the princes. In his high-flown manner, Bayan seemed to fly in thought above the clouds, jumping like a nightingale through an imaginary tree, roaming along Troyans path through fields to mountains.

The warriors and prince are sitting in a semicircle next to Bayan. One of the warriors, listening to Bayan, is looking into the distance; another is looking at the storyteller himself. The warriors are dressed in armor of that time and are armed. Prince Igor is wearing a green tunic and a purple cloak, and he is sitting among his retinue, looking at the horizon.

Through the example of Igors campaign in The Tale..., we learn what the lack of unity can lead to. Igor suffers defeat only because he went on the campaign alone. By himself, Igor is more good than bad, but his actions are bad because he is dominated by the prejudices of feudal society, the ideology of the ruling class. Therefore, in the image of Igor, the general takes precedence over the individual.

In the painting, the author uses dark tones to convey the moment of a solar eclipse, which did not promise anything good for the retinue. To show this moment, the artist makes not only the sky but also the earth and the clothing of the heroes in the painting dark.

The painting conveys the spirit of Ancient Russia, the life of Ancient Russia, and the state of mind of the heroes and people of that time. It depicts the Russian nature and the vast expanses of the Motherland.

Here is a link for you, copy it!

People are writing a very bad essay.

Damn, the essay is great, but this story is just terrible; my brain is about to explode.

Thank you very much. I really enjoyed the essay.

Tmatik Kosha, the essay is mediocre, although it contains some good ideas. Also: BORDOVY, SOCHINENIE, ZADA VAYTE – these words contain errors.

Thank you so much! I was able to find exactly what I couldnt express in words there. Thank you again: ***

I wrote a great essay, and I received a grade of 5/5 for it.

I also liked the essay; Im going to copy it now.

Here is another essay.
;---
Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov is a great Russian artist. He was born in the Vyatka province in the family of a priest. His father gave him his first lessons in drawing and blessed his sons pursuit of painting. The boy grew up in the heart of Russia, surrounded by peasant children. And he absorbed with all his soul the beauty and poetry of Slavic epics and fairy tales.
One of his paintings is Bayan. According to the most common view, Bayan is a historical figure, a court singer who served several Russian princes in the 11th century. He was active as a singer for at least forty years. Numerous researchers identify the name Bayan as a generic term. In the early 19th century, there was a prevailing perception of Bayan as both a specific person and a generalized image of a singing poet.
In The Tale of Igors Campaign, Bayan is mentioned several times:
Bayan the seer,
If he wanted to sing a song for someone,
Then his thoughts would spread like branches,
Like a gray wolf on the earth,
Like a blue eagle in the clouds.
Bayans songs were so good that they brought glory to the princes themselves. Bayan continued the traditions of pagan singers, singing either praise or satire, guided by his own intention.
In Vasnetsovs painting, Bayan is depicted passionately and selflessly singing his song. The listeners gathered around him are captivated by his performance.
In the center of the group is a prince. Next to him is another old man and a young man accompanying the elder. Several warriors are also sitting there. Those present have gathered in the evening on a mound to rest, talk about their troubles, and drink some wine. But they have forgotten about their cups, moved by Bayans story, who is depicted as a thin old man in white robes. He has a long beard and disheveled gray hair blowing in the wind. His musical instrument is old and worn, clearly indicating that Bayan never parted with it.
In the painting, almost half of the canvas is occupied by a cloudy sky with a rosy glow from the setting sun. The landscape is typical of central Russia with its vast expanses. There is dull yellow-green grass. In the foreground are several young birches and daisies.
A spear stuck in the ground symbolizes the heroic strength of Russian warriors, because it would take great effort to drive such a thick spear into the dense earth of the mound.
The painting evokes mixed feelings: majestic tranquility, pride in valiant warriors, and a premonition of an impending storm, new battles.
;---
Thats about it.

A great essay.

Thank you to the author of the essay; the essay was helpful.

спасибо ))

Essays are annoying.

Oh my god... this is amazing... thank you so much!

IT SEEMS LIKE YOURE SAVING EVERYONE WITH YOUR WEBSITE ))) THANK YOU VERY MUCH )))

In short, Im still going to be who I am, and I dont care whats dangling between my legs; the main thing is that I know everything is great, it was great, and it will be great. And now, imagine how everyone will enjoy this art of speech from the hairy Petrik. Heres my real hope for the painting.

In the first part, we considered the two main characters in the painting Bayan by V. M. Vasnetsov: Prince Igor is thoughtful, while the old man Bayan is extremely emotional in his narration. What about the other characters in the painting? The princely retinue seems hardly more cheerful than the prince himself – there is sadness and anguish in the eyes of the warriors. Is it not because Bayans tales remind them of the valiant past of Russian warriors? Of a time when Rus was united and indivisible, when no one could even imagine fratricidal wars, discord, and division among the people...

The artist intentionally emphasizes the gloomy mood of the characters in the painting Bayan with a bleak landscape. The overcast sky occupies almost half of the canvas. It hangs over the people like an unbearable weight of their egoism and delusions. Somewhere in the distance, the day slowly fades away, and soon evening will give way to night. Meanwhile, the prince and his retinue are resting after a hard day. The green hill on which the assembled group sits almost closes off the panoramic view. But in the left part of the painting Bayan, we see a fragment of a vanishingly distant, truly Russian landscape. Vasnetsov skillfully depicts the vastness and scope of the native expanses, once again emphasizing the futility of egoism and division among the Russian people.

Despite the lofty idea contained in the plot of the painting Bayan, the work is permeated with gentle lyricism. You want to admire it and be sad about something distant, irretrievably gone. A short journey into the past helps you look at familiar things with different eyes, understand and feel the unbreakable connection with your homeland, with your roots. The painting Bayan reminds us that we are all descendants of a great people. From the depths of centuries, the gray-haired Bayan sings his laudatory song in honor of the glory and prosperity of Russia.

All the essays posted (except for the author of the essays themselves) have been copied from other websites. Guys, just type a query into a search engine and youll find many variations of essays.

Are you saying I didnt write this description myself? Do you understand what I said? Well, anyway, Im still going to be who I am, and I dont care whats hanging between my legs. The main thing is that I know everything is awesome, it was awesome, and it will be awesome.

Thank you very much for these wonderful essays! WRITE MORE!!!

Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov is a great Russian painter who created many paintings dedicated to the heroes of Ancient Rus. One of his best works is the famous painting Bayan.

In the center of the canvas are depicted Russian warriors sitting in a circle near a bayan (a type of musical instrument). Bayan is an ancient Russian musician, and this painting is named after him. The painting is very close to episodes from the ancient Russian work The Tale of Igors Campaign, and when looking at it, it seems as if a small detachment of armed Russian warriors was heading to some battle, but upon meeting the bayan, they stopped to rest on a high mound and listen to some legend. Among the people sitting in a circle, the main figure is easily distinguished because he does not have a helmet on his head, and his clothing looks richer. Perhaps this is even Prince Igor himself with his retinue. The musician is also dressed as was customary in Rus: a long shirt with long red embroidery on his shoulders, and bast shoes on his feet. He has a long beard, and his gray hair is tousled by the wind. His musical instrument is old and worn; its clear that Bayan never parts with it. The thoughtful mood of the characters in the painting is emphasized by the gloomy landscape. The entire painting is done in dull, muted tones, especially noticeable is the cloudy, gray sky, which occupies almost half of the canvas. Only bright colors are used to depict the cloaks and shields of the warriors.

This painting evokes different feelings: peace, pride in valiant warriors, and a premonition of an impending storm, new battles.

Thank you very much for your help! ))

Oh Lord, poor children! You dont even realize how impoverished your thoughts are and how inadequate your ways of expressing them are! And yet, you think youre original and witty in what you say! Children, you need to learn about your history, your art; otherwise, you will live your entire lives without beauty in your souls. I genuinely pity you.

T. I.: Hmmm... I can answer like this:
1) As a person who chose a physics and mathematics program, Im just too lazy to search my mind for thoughts about this wonderful painting. After all, theres a saying that a mathematician should be so lazy that they shouldnt solve a problem directly. I am lazy.
2) So you think were ignorant, huh? Well, show us what you know, you enlightened ones! Or are you unable to answer for your words? That would be unfortunate.
I think there will be those who agree with me.

I saw a message stating that the painting was called Bayan, but it should actually be Boyan. In reality, Vasnetsov likely meant not the musical instrument boyan, but rather the storyteller who told byliny (epic poems). However, this interpretation is somewhat subjective. If youve written an essay about the painting, it might be better to use bayan.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, this is a great website.

Brick is so cool! Youre so cool too!

Thank you everyone... there are many wonderful compositions and clever phrases here... they helped me a lot... ))) Thanks again.

Hmmmm.... So, my message remains unanswered. Thats a shame. I was hoping to read some intelligent, truly insightful thoughts here.
If that smiley is meant as a compliment, then thank you. But it seems like you dont know how to address someone properly and what punctuation marks are needed in the process. But may the force be with you!
Ill let you know when I find out what grade I get for my essay.

Svetik, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Thank you very much for the cool essay! Kisses to everyones nose!!!

Thank you! These are really great essays. I was planning to write one myself at first, but its proving difficult. My imagination isnt quite up to the task. They were very helpful! ****

People, thank you! Im sure they will give me a perfect score! Thank you so much!

Thank you everyone, you have helped me a lot!

Thank you to everyone, please write more! Everyone needs this.

Composer of compositions.
He played a musical instrument – the accordion.
WTF??? I think he actually played the gusli (a type of ancient Russian stringed instrument), and there wasnt even an accordion in that era.

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT THAT TEACHERS MIGHT VISIT THIS WEBSITE? IF SO, IT WOULD BE A DISASTER FOR ALL THE AUTHORS.

Thank you very much for the essay. And as for all of you, Im just going to say this: copy in silence... )))000

Very small essays, people!

Thank you to everyone who helped me with my essay.

The accordion is like a DJ in a club.

Hmm, heres a useful tip: If theres even a slight chance your teacher might visit this site and see these essays, its better to borrow snippets from each essay and try to connect them with some basic ideas. This way, the essay will be longer, and the teacher is less likely to criticize it.
Sincerely, your Brick.

The brick is right! But thank you for the website; I found a lot of useful information here =).

Thank you all for the essays!)

Oh wow, the website was very helpful. I just want to say that all the works are wonderful, and I especially liked this wonderful painting (even though its not perfect). Also, thank you to everyone who helped me write this silly essay! I have grown to love this work of art, and I wont forget it until my dying day...

Thank you to the website developers!

Great essays! Thank you guys! =))))

супер

Thank you so much; if it werent for you, I dont know what I would do.

For a composition.

Hey guys, thanks a lot, you helped me out. ***))))

Brick, youre awesome.

Guys, thank you very much!

Here is my essay )))

Before us is a canvas by the famous artist, Professor of Church Painting V. M. Vasnetsov, titled Bayan. This painting is very close in theme to the ancient Russian work The Tale of Igors Campaign.

In the foreground, there is a high hill where Prince Igor and his retinue are gathered. The imposing figure of Bayan immediately catches the eye. He is the nightingale of old times. He is dressed in a long white shirt adorned with pagan patterns. His right hand is dynamically raised, while his left plucks a melody on a gusli (a Russian stringed instrument). His silvery hair, contrasting with his black beard, flutters in the wind. In The Tale of Igors Campaign, Bayan is mentioned several times:

Bayan the wise,
If he wanted to sing a song for someone,
He would spread his thoughts like branches,
Like a gray wolf on the earth,
Like a blue eagle under the clouds.

The warriors surrounding the singer sit motionless, listening attentively to Bayan. It is clear that they are ready to repeat the feats of their ancestors. Prince Igor has fixed his gaze on the horizon. He is dressed in a green shirt with a red cloak. The warriors are wearing armor from that time. They are armed with shields, spears, and axes. A spear stuck in the ground symbolizes the heroic strength of Russian warriors.

Around the warriors stretches the native Russian land. Gloomy clouds hang in the sky, as if they too have become engrossed in Bayans song. The weather is somber along with the warriors, anticipating the upcoming battle.

The painting conveys the spirit of Ancient Rus. It is imbued with a love for the motherland and evokes pride in the great victories of the Russian people!

I would like an essay about the painting The Guslyars by V. M. Vasnetsov.

Thanks to everyone.)

Thank you everyone, otherwise the account will be angry.

You know… its easier for me to write this essay myself. And this (pot/flask) symbolizes that the company lost in battle and is mourning and remembering their comrades who did not return from the battle. So, just a note for you.

Thank you for the essay.

да спс

Its very easy to write that you are all copying from here.

The last essay is exactly what I needed :) Thanks.

This is faster.)

In this painting, Vasnetsov himself is depicted, seemingly determined to demonstrate the skill of playing the gusli (a Russian stringed instrument) with a single stroke. In the center is a young man, presumably the recipient of the knowledge on how to craft an accordion from two halves of the gusli and some packaging. On the side sits an elderly man, who has witnessed several unsuccessful attempts to pass on this skill. He looks hopeful, perhaps believing that this time it will work, as he has meticulously prepared for the ritual. Around them are remnants of Svyatoslavs army, dreaming of crossing into another dimension, i. e., escaping from the Tatars. In the middle is a bowl filled with borscht (a Russian soup). With a strike on the gusli, Vasnetsov usually shouted Start! and everyone would begin eating. Since there are only two spoons, the warriors brought their spears and shields.

Why isnt there a boyan?

Its a normal picture. I liked it.

In this painting by Vasnetsov, the bogatyrs (Russian heroes) are depicted sitting on a hill and listening to the sound of the gusli (a Russian stringed instrument). In the center is a young man in a blue caftan. On the edge sits an elderly man playing the gusli. Around them are remnants of Svyatoslavs army, armed with spears and swords. In the middle, there is a bowl of food. Their faces show anxious thoughts about their future, the upcoming campaign, and Svyatoslavs fate. The song of the elder helps them forget about these worries and prepare for a bright future.

Thats how I imagine the painting Bayan.

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Heres what I wrote, please read it and copy it.
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Please refer to the website ru for an essay on this painting.

Sure, here is the translation of the text into English:

From left to right.

On the left, we have a middle-aged man named Boyan. He looks about 50 years old and has a troubled look on his face. Hes clearly agitated and his eyes, while young and healthy, betray a mind that is far from it. Its quite amusing. The left hand of this bard is strangely bent – possibly hinting at a poorly healed wrist fracture – clearly, Boyan hasnt just been offered mugs in life, but has also had his hands slapped. What can you say – it happens.

Next to him is an elderly man with gray hair wearing a red cloak. He seems to be a voevoda, or perhaps a major or thousand-man commander. A big shot, in other words. Look closely – this wise official from the ancient Russian Ministry of Defense seems to be thinking about something while the respected gusli player emits quite a few decibels right next to his ear. What is the man in the red cloak thinking about? Well, perhaps hes wondering if he should have sent Nevryuy and his companions on that campaign after all, given that they got drunk on wine and vodka and mixed it with beer, as has happened before. Or maybe hes regretting not having stopped them from getting so carried away, or wishing they hadnt vomited in his supplies, including the goods for his beloved dogs.

Further to the right is an old centurion with drooping mustaches. Its all pretty clear here – hes covered himself with his hand and is laughing. He thinks no one can see him. But actually, he can be understood – you know, life is not a bed of roses. All this ancient epic genocide is hard on the nerves. So hes laughing. He just cant stand it, so hes laughing. I understand him, anyway.

Next to him is a bogatyr (hero). Guys, if someone asks you at school, Who is the idiot who sticks a spear into the ground with the blunt end, knowing that the iron, sharp, and quite heavy tip will once again pierce someones head on the 105th minute of the concert? The answer should be immediate and without hesitation: BOGATYR. Thats where things are good. Thats who unconditionally believes in everything sung and shouted. Its him, its him.

Next is the prince. The prince is watching the performance of the rock gusli player very intently and suspiciously. Is he waiting for Boyan to say something inappropriate? Or has he already said something wrong? Its hard to tell. One thing is clear – his other hand is also in danger. Or maybe hes just hypnotizing him with his gaze, hoping that the singer will finally drink from the goblet offered to him? And what if the goblet contains a strong sedative? Who knows? Unfortunately, many questions about history remain unanswered for us.

A drunk Cossack in white. Well, its all pretty obvious here, so theres nothing more to explain, right? The guy is clearly wasted, and if he happens to stand up, what will happen? Correct... hes going to roll down the hill. Now you probably understand why there are three guys behind him looking confused by whats happening? Yes, theyre regular ancient Russian soldiers on mandatory service. They were told: Look, if this drunk Cossack rolls down the hill and falls on his head... Well... hold onto each other... otherwise, were going to put you in an outfit so ridiculous that Avgius and all his stables will seem like a walk in the park!

A boy. Is the boy at fault? No, the boy isnt at fault. Hes just sitting there with his backside on the hill, listening to Boyans awful screams – is that supposed to be some kind of cultural pastime for children? Oh my god, the boy thinks, Im going to live until Im an adult and then Im getting out of this country, I swear to God! Even if I have to go to the Greeks, or the Franks, or become a Varangian – anything but this ancient Russian life with my parents!

What kind of life is this? the next character thinks, kneeling down and staring intently at a large trough filled to the brim with strong, bubbling brew. How many meters/arshins/sazhens/elbows are there from him to the trough? And its not that far! But just like that – simply approaching, taking a dipper, scooping up, and drinking... and then another one, and another one... no, you cant do that. You just cant! How full this world is of unnecessary conventions, manners, and hypocrisy! How deceitful are the courtly etiquettes, how depraved are the non-drinking (ha!), flattering (ha!), and lying tongues... Well, maybe the comrade has thought all this out in some other style, but what does it matter? The essence is quite clear.

Lets not dwell too much on the next two characters. Look, theres plenty of space on the hill (isnt there?), yet they are clinging to each other. And did you notice that the old man has a tomahawk in his hand? Is that a hint of something sinister? Quite possible.

I will conclude this brief overview with an explanation that the heads of the crowd participants visible behind (from the grass) were intended by the artist to symbolize a simple question that, translated into modern language, sounds like this: Do they still have anything left to eat and drink over there?

Well, thats about it.
Thank you for your attention.

Hostomyslich, youre simply amazing! Haha, you gave me minutes of uncontrollable laughter and the very moments I needed to describe the participants in a painting for a school essay.

Hahaha, Gostomysl has really outdone himself! Well done! What do you think? Its the best essay!

Haha, the essay turned out to be funny, especially at the end. If you look closely, the picture is quite sad. Its a story about the struggle for Russian land. If we hadnt fought for Russian land, maybe we wouldnt exist here. We would have been killed if Russians hadnt won. And it would be even better to live together peacefully and without war!

Lets live together in peace???)))***

The guy really expressed himself beautifully and said everything he could.

We were assigned to write an essay based on this painting.

The painting is truly remarkable because it embodies the essence of Russia, drawing inspiration from the narrative of Bayan in The Tale of Igors Campaign. However, I cant write essays about paintings; its just not my strong suit.

My deepest gratitude to Gostomyslych for the moments of laughter and positivity you provided. Thank you so much, haha!

My work.
In ancient Russian epics and legends, the bayan (a type of stringed instrument) was considered a symbol, and its mastery was highly valued.
The main focus of the painting is on warriors who are positioned on a hill. Their faces are concentrated. They sit motionless, attentively listening to the bayan player.
(I dont know what to add next.)
(I request that my idea be immortalized.)

a good painting

Hmmmm.... So my comment remained unanswered. Thats a shame. I was hoping to read some intelligent, truly insightful thoughts here.
If that smiley is meant as a compliment, then thank you. But it seems you dont know how to address someone properly or what punctuation marks are needed when doing so. But may the force be with you!
Im writing this comment because I want to know what grade Im going to get for my essay.

Actually, an essay wouldnt hurt the painting.=)

Guest, are the approximately 15 items already listed on this page not suitable for some reason?

I dont understand at all what is happening here (in the picture).

Gostomysluch, didnt you find it tedious to write all this? Personally, I didnt find it funny...

When was the painting created?

Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov celebrates Russia. Specifically, Russia in its majestic past. When you look at his paintings, you feel a great sense of pride for your country. This feeling arises when you see the painting Bayan. Although the canvas is silent, it has much to tell.

At first glance, it may seem strange that the main character of the painting, the storyteller Bayan, is not in the center. But no brushstroke by the artist can be accidental. In this case, Vasnetsov seems to show us that what matters is not how Bayan looks, but what he tells. For the same reason, most of those gathered are not looking at the old man with the gusli (a Russian stringed instrument), but are absorbed in their thoughts.

The stormy sky and the strong wind blowing through the old mans gray hair seem to echo his story about great battles and the heroism of the Russian people. The faces of the listeners, serious and tense, suggest that what is being narrated by the blind Bayan evokes a feeling of determination in them. Perhaps a battle is imminent, and the old man, telling stories about the feats of the defenders of Russia, inspires everyone to victory.

Most of those gathered are warriors. The boy sitting next to the prince is likely his son, who will one day have to take on leadership. He must be ready to protect and lead his people. Through the determination on the princes face, there is also a hint of anxiety. Judging by the fact that soldiers lined up in neat rows can be seen behind the hill, the prince is about to lead them into battle. And he understands that if he falls, this young boy will have to take over leadership.

What did the artist want to convey? I think everyone will see something different in the painting. For me personally, the painting Bayan has become a symbol of peoples determination to protect and preserve their way of life, their land. It is probably not accidental that Vasnetsov depicted a hill behind which one can see familiar Russian landscapes: vast meadows, forests, a river. This is what needs to be protected so that future generations can live in peace and enjoy all of this. And then another storyteller will tell people about the feats of the people depicted in the painting. It is thanks to them that we can live in peace today.

The one-of-a-kind pioneer of pictorial depictions of olden times, Viktor Vasnetsov, created numerous paintings on this theme, and the painting Bayan is a clear confirmation of the style chosen by the artist, possibly referring to episodes from the Russian epic poem The Tale of Igors Campaign.

Vasnetsovs painting Bayan belongs to the final stage of the artists creative work; it was painted in 1910, although the idea for this work was conceived by the artist 30 years earlier. A sketch of the painting was created at that time, but for some reason, its realization was postponed.

In the painting, we see a group of Russian bogatyrs (warriors) in armor resting together with Prince Igor after another battle, located on a high green hill against a backdrop of billowing clouds. Comfortably seated in a circle, the warriors thoughtfully listen to a song played by Bayan, a blind and prophetic old man, masterfully playing the gusli (a type of Russian stringed instrument). The old mans white hair is blowing in the wind. While playing the gusli with his left hand, Bayan magically gestures with his right hand raised upwards, hypnotically focusing the gaze of two warriors sitting in front of him, who are experiencing reverent delight at what they see. Despite this, other characters listening to the song are lost in thought and do not pay particular attention to the old man. Bayan sings a song, appealing to the ancient Russian gods for protection of Russia from injustice and internecine strife among princes, while glorifying the prince sitting next to him and his retinue. Bayan is loved and revered by the Russian people; he embodies the image of an ancient Russian storyteller of fairy tales and epics.

Among the warriors, we see Prince Igor in rich attire, looking proudly into the distance. Next to the prince sits a noble old man in white robes, leaning on his arm, with the princes son sitting in front of him. Perhaps this young boy is experiencing for the first time being part of a close-knit warrior community and learning about the hardships of Russian life.

Presented to the public in 1910, the painting was met with mixed reactions from contemporaries; some were delighted by it, while others were not so impressed. Only today do we understand that this is one of the unique works; Vasnetsovs Bayan can be said to have no analogues and truly reflects our Russian history. The painting is kept in the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.