The Mikhailovsky Palace

It became customary for the Peredvizhniki to interpret the history genre in terms of modern reality. Yermak Conquering Siberia (1895) and Suvorov Crossing the Alps in 1799 (1899) by Vasily Surikov (1848–1916) are more like the works of directors, reinterpreting events of old. The majority of Peredvizhniki were drawn to psychologism in the history genre. They read situations through experiences, reactions and the states of mind of their subjects. It is thus perhaps not surprising that the artists of the second half of the nineteenth century who painted historical themes were also fine portraitists.

Suvorov Crossing the Alps in 1799 (1899) was painted in celebration of the hundredth anniversary of Suvorov’s campaign. Count Alexander Suvorov (1729–1800) was a Russian fieldmarshal who commanded a Russo-Austrian force in Italy in 1799. Ordered to relieve Russian troops in Switzerland, he famously marched across the Alps. Vasily Surikov specially travelled to Switzerland, painting landscape studies at the historical sites and sliding down the mountains near Interlaken in order to capture the sense of movement. The artist explained his concept: “The most important thing in the picture is the movement. The selfless courage. The men proceed, subordinating to their commander.”

Taking a Snow Town (1891) is the only large picture by Vasily Surikov without historical content. Painted in Krasnoyarsk, it was inspired by the artist’s childhood memories. He portrays an amusing game typically played on the last day of Shrovetide. Surikov’s painting is an expression and celebration of the Russian character.