Holy Face image Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)
Vasily Ivanovich Surikov – Holy Face image
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Painter: Vasily Ivanovich Surikov
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Surikov was a famous Russian artist who was a devotee of historical painting. He also painted portraits and sometimes turned to religious themes. Contemporaries often considered him a nonprofessional who takes tragedy and epicism, but his professionalism Surikov’s professionalism can be judged by the following episode: when he was finishing his painting "Boyarynya Morozova", an artist friend of his came to see him. Looking at the huge canvas stretched on the wall, he pointed out to Surikov the strip of snow below and advised him to remove it, because it did not play a role in the plot of the picture, only made it more unwieldy.
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Description of Vasily Surikov’s painting "The Unmade Image".
Surikov was a famous Russian artist who was a devotee of historical painting. He also painted portraits and sometimes turned to religious themes. Contemporaries often considered him a nonprofessional who takes tragedy and epicism, but his professionalism
Surikov’s professionalism can be judged by the following episode: when he was finishing his painting "Boyarynya Morozova", an artist friend of his came to see him.
Looking at the huge canvas stretched on the wall, he pointed out to Surikov the strip of snow below and advised him to remove it, because it did not play a role in the plot of the picture, only made it more unwieldy. "Not at all," Surikov replied. - How could I remove it. Then the sleigh won’t run."
"The Unmercenary Image" is Surikov’s appeal to religious themes. Once the king of Mesopotamia was seriously ill - so much so that no one could cure him. Having heard rumors that there is a man wandering around Judea who can heal the sick, and that after meeting him the saints can see and the homeless can walk, the king sent an ambassador to Christ to beg him to come to Mesopotamia. Christ refused, instead taking a cloth from the ambassador, washing and wiping his face with it, after which his image remained on the cloth.
This very moment is depicted in the painting - Christ holding out the resulting uncreated image to the ambassador in white robes. His posture suggests mercy and that this action is customary for him. He sees nothing unusual in it. But people around look, surprised, confused, the ambassador’s face speaks of fear and hope at the same time - he was going for the prophet, and will bring a rag, but not a simple one, but a wonderful one... Above the scene is a sky full of clouds, grayish and faded from the heat. The camel and the horse do not understand the animation reigning among the people and stand still.
One old man covers his eyes as if he cannot bear the bright light pouring into them.
A small miracle has taken place.
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Several men, clad in varied attire ranging from simple tunics to elaborate robes of red and white, surround what appears to be a figure lying prone on the ground. The man in the red robe stands slightly apart, his posture suggesting observation rather than direct involvement. His clothing distinguishes him visually, potentially marking him as an authority or someone of significance within this gathering.
To the left, several figures are depicted in postures of distress or supplication, their bodies contorted and hands raised. Their expressions convey a sense of anguish or pleading. On the right side of the composition, other men on horseback observe the scene, adding to the feeling of public spectacle. The horses themselves contribute to the overall impression of power and control.
The background is rendered with less detail, but it provides context for the event. A city skyline is visible in the distance, suggesting a location of some importance. The presence of trees and foliage softens the harshness of the urban environment.
Subtleties within the painting suggest layers of meaning beyond a simple depiction of an event. The varied clothing and postures of the figures imply social hierarchies and differing roles within this gathering. The man in red, with his detached stance, could represent judgment or divine intervention. The expressions of sorrow and supplication on the faces of those surrounding the prone figure hint at themes of sacrifice, suffering, and perhaps redemption. The horses, symbols of power and dominion, further amplify the sense of a momentous occasion unfolding before an assembled crowd.
The artist’s use of light and shadow contributes to the dramatic effect. Areas of intense illumination highlight key figures and actions, while darker regions create depth and mystery. Overall, the painting evokes a feeling of solemnity, tension, and profound significance, inviting contemplation on themes of faith, power, and human suffering.