Description of the painting by Mikhail Nesterov “Youth of St. Sergius”

Description of the painting by Mikhail Nesterov Youth of St. Sergius

Throughout his entire creative life, Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov dedicated fifteen of his paintings to Sergius of Radonezh. The artist has created a large series of works describing significant events in the life of the Russian saint. The painting “Youth of St. Sergius” was written in 1892-1897. on canvas in oil. Its size is quite large 247 x 229 cm. After the completion of this painting, the artist himself presented it to the Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow), where it is still kept. In the center of the canvas is depicted the young Sergius (in the world of Bartholomew).

A handsome young man stands in a bright under-head among dense, mixed forests. The image of a young man inspired. His face is bright, filled with love and kindness. At his feet lies a brown bear. The episode with the bear is taken from the description of the life of the reverend. The artist used a variety of green shades to convey all the colors of wildlife.

An abundance of greenery and wildflowers, indicates the time of year is spring. In the background is a small wooden church. Perhaps it was from her that the history of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra began. The canvas is dominated by the harmony of man with the surrounding nature.

Having crossed his arms on his chest, Sergius prays for the whole world, concentrating his eyes on the distance. Despite the age of the young man, the artist describes the glow over his head. Mikhail Nesterov deeply revered the great saint and in his works tried to convey his righteousness, chastity, faith. From an early age, the youth Bartholomew took upon himself the feat of fasting, unceasing prayer and further monasticism. Sergius prays for the whole world, focusing his eyes on the distance. Despite the age of the young man, the artist describes the glow over his head.

Mikhail Nesterov deeply revered the great saint and in his works tried to convey his righteousness, chastity, faith. From an early age, the youth Bartholomew took upon himself the feat of fasting, unceasing prayer and further monasticism. Sergius prays for the whole world, focusing his eyes on the distance. Despite the age of the young man, the artist describes the glow over his head. Mikhail Nesterov deeply revered the great saint and in his works tried to convey his righteousness, chastity, faith. From an early age, the youth Bartholomew took upon himself the feat of fasting, unceasing prayer and further monasticism.


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Description of the painting by Mikhail Nesterov “Youth of St. Sergius”