Isaak Levitan – Evening Bell 900 Classic russian paintings

Description of Isaac Levitan’s painting "Evening Ringing

Isaac Levitan, a great master of the brush and a man with a difficult fate, left a great legacy represented by vivid and expressive landscapes.

In 1892 the artist created the painting "Evening Chime". This picture reflected impressions that the author received on a trip to holy places on the Volga. The monasteries he saw became the basis of an unusually poetic image, which is in tune with the famous music and poems, the church bell ringing.

The master depicts a sultry summer evening. In the rays of the blazing sunset one can hear the bell ringing, inviting to evening prayer. Another, coming to the end of the day brings a pleasant longing and sadness and anticipation of a new day.

The natural solemnity and grandeur is emphasized by the slightly darkening sky with a wide pinkish haze over it. The heavenly height is reflected in the smooth and serene water surface in gray streaks.

The river flows wide and calmly between the dark shores, sandy at the water’s edge, and further covered with bushes. On the smooth water in a boat cross over to the other side of the river people are pilgrims. They are in a hurry to be in time for the evening service. On the other side of the river the helpful monks are already waiting for them. And two boats with a bored boatman, wooden gangway remains on this shore.

In the clear and quiet water are also reflected in the white stone walls and golden domes of monasteries, a sharp spire of the bell tower. The majestic buildings themselves are hidden behind the greenery of trees. Spiritual and natural principles that lead to silence and tranquility are as if merged here.

"Evening Chime" is one of the significant paintings of the great landscape artist. It shows the skill of an experienced painter who can see the beauty of nature and embody it on the canvas in colors. Here you can clearly see the mood of the author, his desire for the divine. Extraordinarily majestic and mesmerizing soul music of the artist is transmitted to the viewer.