Bogdanov-Belsky Nikolai – Schoolgirls 900 Classic russian paintings

Description of Nikolai Bogdanov Belsky’s painting The Disciples

The canvas was painted in 1901 in oil on canvas.

The painting was created in the style of realism, the portrait genre.

Bogdanov-Belsky was a talented and distinctive Russian artist. He was often called "peasant." This was due to Bogdanov-Belsky’s great love for the simple Russian life of ordinary people. He painted a huge number of paintings on this subject, left us an invaluable legacy and an opportunity to return to the past. Looking at the artist’s paintings, we can understand how ordinary peasants lived in Tsarist Russia. Bogdanov-Belsky’s paintings are imbued with love and kindness.

The artist was from a poor family and studied painting at the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. That is why he was so tender about the subject of peasants. Through his paintings he drew the attention of others to the inconspicuous life of the common people.

The painting "Pupils" depicts two peasant girls who are waiting for a lesson. The modest clothing and shawls on their heads show us how schoolchildren were dressed in the early 20th century. The theme of school excited Bogdanov-Belsky very much, because he was an illegitimate child who lived in poverty with his mother in his uncle’s house. He dreamed of learning, which is why he so often depicts children, books, and school.

The painting "The Disciples" shows us how important education was to the peasants. One of the pupils is hopefully reading something in her book. The second girl seems to be repeating what she has learned in her thoughts, reasoning and analyzing. Their dreams conceal hopes for a brighter future.

The skill of the artist is undeniable. How carefully all the details are painted. Simplicity, depth and kindness are in Bogdanov-Belsky’s paintings. The girl has a cross on her chest. People in past centuries treated God with special reverence. The artist’s paintings are soothing, you want to look at them endlessly.