The youth of St. Sergius Mikhail Nesterov (1862-1942)

Description of Mikhail Nesterov’s painting "The Youth of St. Sergius".

Over the course of his artistic life, Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov dedicated fifteen of his paintings to Sergius of Radonezh. The artist created a large series of works describing significant events in the life of the Russian saint.

The painting "The Youth of St. Sergius" was painted in 1892-1897 on oil on canvas. Its size is quite large 247x229cm. After finishing this picture, the artist himself gave it to the Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow), where it is kept up to date.

In the center of the canvas depicts the young Sergius (born Bartholomew). The stately youth stands in a light cassock among the dense and mixed woods. The image of the young man is spiritual. His face is bright, filled with love and kindness. At his feet lies a brown bear. The episode with the bear is taken from the description of the Venerable’s life.

The artist used many shades of green to convey all the colors of wildlife. The abundance of greenery and wildflowers, indicates the time of year - it is spring. A small wooden church can be seen in the background. Perhaps this is where the history of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra began.

The harmony of man with the surrounding nature dominates the canvas. Crossing his arms across his chest, Sergius prays for the whole world, focusing his gaze into the distance. Despite the young man’s age, the artist describes the radiance above his head.

Mikhail Nesterov deeply revered the great saint and in his works tried to convey his righteousness, chastity, faith. From a young age, the little cadet Bartholomew undertook the feat of fasting, unceasing prayer, and later monasticism.