The work “Three heroes”
In the picture VM Vasnetsov depicts three heroes. The heroes are mighty, brave people, defenders of the fatherland. They look sharp into the distance, as they guard the borders of Russia. And these three mighty men are ready to enter into battle with the enemies of Russia at any moment. They fulfill their heroic duty and are confident of the truth of their work. The expression of their faces is serious, cold-blooded, a terrible look. These three heroes are Dobrynia Nikitich, Ilya Muromets and Alyosha Popovich. All these brave souls are full of dignity, majestic and very collected, ready to fight at any moment, not for life, but for death. They are very confident in themselves and ready to die for Russia.
Ilya Muromets – the hero of the epic – is located in the very center of the picture. A peasant son from the village of Karacharovo from the town of Murom is the oldest and mightiest warrior. He is not rich, but it shows that he does not need wealth. He is dressed simply.
Dobrynya Nikitich, the son of the Ryazan prince, is to the left of Ilya Muromets. He is rich. He wears a rich chain mail, his shield is decorated with pearls, a gold sheath and a hilt of the sword. His eagle look is severe. His beard is well-groomed and long.
Alyosha Popovich was born in the family of a priest. He is not richly dressed, but he is not poor either. His chain mail and helmet shine. He is the youngest and has no beard. Alyosha is thin. His gaze slightly slanting away. His gaze is evil, since it seems that he is plotting some trick. He keeps his favorite weapon – the bow. His bow is ripped, Tevotochka is salted, and the arrow is fast. He carries a harp with him. Sitting Alyosha Popovich on a red horse with a white speck on his forehead. His mane is light, beautiful and well-groomed. The warrior’s horse is hot as fire.
I think that Vasnetsov managed to convey the uneasiness of that historical time when in Russia there were heroic outposts through heavy clouds and thunderclouds over Rus. Also through a strong wind that is visible through the waving of the mane and the tails of horses and over swaying grass.
I believe that the artist shows the might of the heroes and creates the monumentality of their images, as they occupy a huge area in the picture. Also Vasnetsov raises the horizon line, and the figures of the horses go to the sky. Yelochka Vasnetsov portrayed small, and the heroes large, and this creates contrast between the Christmas trees and large figures and emphasizes the power of the heroes.