“The Baptism of Russia” by Viktor Vasnetsov – a preparatory composition for the painting of the Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv

The Baptism of Russia is a painting by Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov in 1890. The events depicted on the canvas refer the viewer to 988, when Orthodox Christianity was adopted in Kievan Rus.

In the center of the composition, on a dais, is Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, the Grand Duke of Kyiv. His festive clothes embroidered with gold contrast sharply with the white robes of the clergy. And the outstretched hands and the gaze directed to the sky give out hope for the grace of God. The large wooden cross on the left, symbolizing the crucifixion of Christ, emphasizes the religious genre of the work. In the far perspective, a great many people are depicted. They have gathered to accept the new faith and dutifully await their turn. And below in the foreground, in the sacred waters of the Dnieper, a baptismal ceremony is already taking place. From heaven, angels are watching what is happening, located on a white fluffy cloud. Rays of divine light, illuminating everything around, reflect the importance and solemnity of the moment.

Author: Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov (1848-1926).
Name of the painting: “The Baptism of Rus”.
Year of writing: 1890
Size: 214 x 187 cm.
Style: Modern.
Genre: Religious, Historical.
Technique: Oil painting.
Material: Canvas.
Location: State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.

Viktor Vasnetsov – the great Russian artist and architect of the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries

In his works, he went from academicism and realism in the periods of formation and wandering to modernity. Later, the master’s work is closely associated with the religious genre. Being a descendant of Vyatka priests and icon painters, Viktor Mikhailovich from childhood turned to the images of saints and absorbed the great Russian Orthodox culture. The most significant stage in the work of Vasnetsov was the painting of the Vladimir Cathedral in Kyiv. Before starting work, the artist went to Italy to study the monumental painting of the Renaissance.

In search of new cathedral images, he created many studies, one of which was the painting “The Baptism of Russia”, painted in 1890. The idea of ​​the revival of spiritual memory was taken as a basis. Five years later, work began on the fresco of the same name. And a year later, she began to decorate the space above the entrance to the choir.

In total, for the design of the cathedral, Vasnetsov created 15 full-fledged works, including a paired fresco “The Baptism of Prince Vladimir”. The author painted the entire middle part of the huge temple from the floor to the dome. It was a titanic work both in volume and in time.

The painting “Baptism of Russia” by Viktor Vasnetsov was part of the revival of the traditions of ancient Russian painting. In 1893, Pavel Tretyakov bought it for his collection. And the fresco of the same name in the Vladimir Cathedral has become a monument to the spiritual history of Russia.