Artwork
Kalmyk lama
Kalmyk lama is an unspecified painting by Vasily Vereshchagin. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Vasily Vereshchagin painted *Kalmyk lama* in 1869, a work now in the Tretyakov Gallery. The canvas records a Buddhist monk from the Kalmyk community, seated on a horse, rendered with Vereshchagin’s characteristic realism.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is a Kalmyk lama, distinguished by a yellow robe, red sash, and a staff held in his right hand. His calm, forward‑looking gaze and the composed posture of the horse suggest a dignified representation of a regional religious leader.
Technique & Style
Executed in a realistic manner, the painting emphasizes texture and precise detail. Vereshchagin employs a muted palette for the background—a plain white wall—while using richer hues for the robe, sash, and the black horse, creating depth through careful shading and color contrast.
History & Provenance
Created during Vereshchagin’s period of ethnographic and military subjects, the canvas reflects his travels across the Russian Empire. After its completion, the work entered the collection of Moscow’s Tretyakov Gallery, where it remains on display.
Artist & collection
Artist
Vasily Vasilyevich Vereshchagin (Russian: Васи́лий Васи́льевич Вереща́гин; 26 October 1842 – 13 April 1904) was a Russian painter, war artist, and traveller.
