Artwork

Icon of St Nicholas from the Upper Reaches of the River Pinega

Icon of St Nicholas from the Upper Reaches of the River Pinega, by Vasily Vereshchagin, oil, 1898
Icon of St Nicholas from the Upper Reaches of the River Pinega, by Vasily Vereshchagin, oil, 1898

Icon of St Nicholas from the Upper Reaches of the River Pinega is an oil painting by the Realist artist Vasily Vereshchagin. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

This 1898 oil painting, 'Icon of St Nicholas from the Upper Reaches of the River Pinega', is a work by Russian artist Vasily Vereshchagin, known for his realist style. It is part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a scene centered on a religious icon of Saint Nicholas, who is shown in ornate robes holding a small church. A figure in dark robes stands beside the icon, facing it with their back turned to the viewer, creating a somber atmosphere.

Technique & Style

The artist's use of muted colors and attention to detail, such as the intricate design on the saint's robe, contribute to a sense of reverence and solemnity, characteristic of the religious genre and Vereshchagin's realist approach.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Vasily Vereshchagin

Artist

Vasily Vereshchagin

Vasily Vasilyevich Vereshchagin (Russian: Васи́лий Васи́льевич Вереща́гин; 26 October 1842 – 13 April 1904) was a Russian painter, war artist, and traveller.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.