The Christening of Grand Duke Vladimir (c.956-1015) Viktor Vasnetsov (1848-1926)

Description of Victor Vasnetsov’s painting The Baptism of Prince Vladimir

Victor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov, was born into the family of an ordinary clergyman, in 1848. He studied at a local theological seminary, then at the famous St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts. After graduating from it, he went abroad and from 1869 began to exhibit at academic and later traveling exhibitions.

Became the first painter, and turning to the epic and fairy-tale subjects, Vasnetsov managed to bring them to life by the power of Art. The same Work of the Artist was developed in genre canvases of the first period of his creative work, his portraits and, of course, in religious painting, which marked the beginning of a new era in this field. By his magnificent works the Master laid the foundation of a unique "vasnetsovsky" style, which many have tried and are now trying to imitate.

A special place among the Master’s works is taken by the "Baptism of Prince Vladimir" (1885-1986).

Vladimir, having become Prince of Kiev in 978, decided to convert his people to Christianity. Subsequently, the prince himself was baptized in Chersonesos, and on his return he continued to baptize the population of Kievan, conducting this with a rigid firmness, and informing that if any of the people would not come to the river, regardless of their position in the society, they would become his enemy forever. And everyone came.

Creating this, a masterpiece, the artist studied ancient manuscripts for many years, in order to maximize the transfer of the character and personality of the prince. This approach allowed Vasnetsov to achieve compliance with a clear historicism, which is the principal difference from the classical icon painting. Clearly traced eyes focused, and express awareness of taking such a fateful decision for the whole country, and pointed beard and loose hair fully reflects how he looked in life.

On the canvas dedicated to the momentous event, the Genius depicted many people: priests, princely nobility, soldiers and others.

V. Vasnetsov managed to draw as much as possible each person depicted in the picture, which allows you to see the attitude of a particular class to the event. The priests are performing the rite of Baptism, the princely army is watching with curiosity, and the nobility is expressing humility about the historical event that has taken place.