Menshikov in Berezovo Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (1848-1916)
Vasily Ivanovich Surikov – Menshikov in Berezovo
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Painter: Vasily Ivanovich Surikov
Location: The State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow (Государственная Третьяковская галерея).
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Surikov painted the painting Menshikov in Berezov in mid-1883. Through it he became known not only as an artist, but also as a painter-historian. He managed to depict various historical events with precision. Thus, the painting "Menshikov in Berezov" depicts one of the most powerful associates of Peter I - Alexander Menshikov. This man really existed. From history we know that after Peter the Great died, Menshikov was deprived of all the previously received awards, after which he and his family were sent to Siberia, more precisely to the town of Berezov. The artist has depicted a small, cramped and uncomfortable room where not only Alexander, but all his relatives have to spend their days.
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Description of Vasily Surikov’s painting Menshikov in Berezov
Surikov painted the painting Menshikov in Berezov in mid-1883. Through it he became known not only as an artist, but also as a painter-historian. He managed to depict various historical events with precision. Thus, the painting "Menshikov in Berezov" depicts one of the most powerful associates of Peter I - Alexander Menshikov. This man really existed. From history we know that after Peter the Great died, Menshikov was deprived of all the previously received awards, after which he and his family were sent to Siberia, more precisely to the town of Berezov.
The artist has depicted a small, cramped and uncomfortable room where not only Alexander, but all his relatives have to spend their days. This room looks more like a prison cell than a house for a large family. The ceiling is very low, so to move here a tall man (and such just was Menshikov) is quite difficult. Through a small window into the house almost no light comes in. Menshikov’s eldest daughter is leaning over a book to see something. On the shelves are several icons.
Because of the cramped space, some of the movements of the people in this room are restricted. The faces of all are very sad. By this, Surikov as if to emphasize the hopelessness of human destiny. Even the coloring of the picture increases the created tension. There are no bright colors, which further emphasizes the depressed mood of Menshikov.
The plot is based on an evening in the life of the prince. He spends his time together with his family. Each of its members, however, is occupied with his own business. The old man, who very recently had everything, now has nothing. His face is filled with the sadness of memories.
In the eyes of the children, too, there is only sadness. The eldest daughter reads, but the former prince does not listen to her - he is alone with his thoughts.
The film reveals the drama of the historical personality of Alexander Menshikov, who was deprived of everything in an instant.
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How often does fate prove to be fickle? It first gives a feeling of omnipotence, and then abruptly plunges you down into poverty and disgrace. This is exactly what the great Russian artist Vasily Ivanovich Surikov depicted in his painting. He portrayed the Menshikov family in exile. Yes, that very Menshikov, who was an all-powerful minister under Peter the Great, but after his death, he became too active in promoting his family into the royal court. And for this, he paid a price. All those he had offended during the reign of the reformer emperor remembered him. They voiced their grievances and sent him away to get rid of him. However, he was eventually returned to the capital, but by then he would no longer live long, without his former grandeur.
But how good things were! How glorious it was under Peter the Great! He was the second most important person in the state, even richer than the emperor himself, and for this, he was beaten more than once by the very emperor. He stole, took bribes, bought land, and built magnificent palaces.
And suddenly, all of this almost vanished overnight. All his efforts to stay in power – giving his eldest daughter to the heir to the throne – failed miserably. No one among the nobles wanted to be under the rule of someone who was just a nobleman, even if he was a supporter of Peter, but not of noble birth; they considered him a peasant.
Surikov depicted that very moment when he was thinking about his past, surrounded by his daughters, and not in a palace, but in a small hut with only one window, which did not illuminate the room much at all. All four figures are immersed in memories of the past. After all, none of them expected things to turn out this way. Although, no, Menshikov sensed it; he understood that he would have to pay for everything. But he simply didnt know that he would be sent into exile and forgotten. Surikov depicted his meager life, and in his interpretation, Menshikov is not a brilliant dandy nobleman at all, but an old man who has buried his wife and is left alone with his daughters. In the painting, he understands that nothing better will happen, but do his daughters understand? But look closely. One who sits at his feet is pensive, like her father. The other daughter probably recalls the past with anger and has not come to terms with many things. And the third daughter, by the window, has resigned herself and is simply reading a book, realizing that the past cannot be returned and that one must live in the present, with what one has at this moment.
Different understandings of life... This is exactly what the artist managed to convey. He succeeded in showing the contrast between a bright life and complete insignificance, but Menshikov is not broken. He is rather offended. But at whom? Most likely, at himself.
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The subtext of the painting is steeped in tragedy and the stark reality of political downfall. Menshikov, once a powerful favorite of Peter the Great, was later banished to internal exile in Berezovo with his family. The scene captures the familys diminished circumstances and their struggle to maintain dignity and faith in the face of adversity. The stern, weathered face of Menshikov speaks of past power and present despair, while the young women embody innocence and sorrow, their youth a stark contrast to the harshness of their reality. The open book and the candle suggest an attempt at education and spiritual comfort amidst their isolation. The presence of religious icons on the shelf in the background further emphasizes their reliance on faith. The overall atmosphere is one of quiet desperation, a poignant depiction of fallen nobility and the enduring strength of family bonds in the face of immense hardship.