Artwork
Die Bojarin Morosowa im Schlitten
Die Bojarin Morosowa im Schlitten is an oil painting by the Realist artist Vasily Surikov. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Completed in 1892, *Die Bojarin Morosowa im Schlitten* is an oil painting by Vasily Ivanovich Surikov, a leading Russian realist active in Moscow during the reigns of Alexander III and Nicholas II. The canvas presents a muted tableau centered on a noblewoman lying on a straw‑covered sled, flanked by two men, one gesturing upward. The work is part of the Tretyakov Gallery’s permanent collection.
Subject & Meaning
The figure on the sled is identified as Feodosia Morozova, a Russian aristocrat whose fate is rendered with solemnity. Her black dress and the subdued palette convey mourning, while the upward point of one attendant introduces a narrative tension, suggesting either a plea for divine assistance or an indication of an impending event.
Technique & Style
Surikov employs a realist approach, rendering textures—from the rough wood of the sled to the soft folds of the woman’s garment—with meticulous detail. The oil medium allows for layered glazing that deepens the earthy background tones, creating a cohesive atmosphere of quiet drama without resorting to overt theatricality.
History & Provenance
After its creation, the painting entered the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s commitment to preserving works that document pivotal moments in Russian history through the realist lens of the late 19th century.
Context
Surikov’s oeuvre is noted for dramatizing historical episodes, and this piece aligns with his broader interest in portraying Russian cultural identity. Executed during a period of heightened national introspection, the work contributes to the visual narrative of Russia’s aristocratic past amid the sociopolitical changes of the late imperial era.
Artist & collection
Artist
Vasily Ivanovich Surikov (Russian: Василий Иванович Суриков; 24 January 1848 – 19 March 1916) was a Russian Realist painter, active in Moscow during Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II's reigns, renowned for his large history pictures.
