- Essays
- According to paintings
- Gerasimov
- Church of the Intercession on the Nerl
Before us is a very bright, warm, kind picture depicting a church, a beautiful landscape and a mother with a small child. The center of the work is a polygonal church, with white walls and a high dome. It can be seen that the temple is very large, from afar it catches the eye and attracts attention; in order for the viewer to understand the scale of the structure, the author of the work depicts a mother and child in the foreground. The church looks very ancient, but at the same time well-kept, people take care of it, despite its remote location from residential areas.
To the right of the church is a house in which ministers and caretakers of the temple probably live. There are also trees growing here, which were probably planted at the same time as the building was built; these trees are almost as tall as the church domes, and this suggests that they are already many years old. The trees are taller than many depicted in the picture.
The sky looks extraordinarily beautiful with some fabulous colors. In itself it is light blue, it is covered with airy white clouds, shaded with a light pink color, this may indicate that it is evening outside and the sun is about to set.
The river looks calm and deep, its waters reflect the light church, the dark trees next to it, the towering banks and the magical sky. To the left of the church there is a boat tied to the shore. The light colors of the sky and the church are set off by bright green grass and the crown of trees. There are many steppe yellow flowers on the grass, yellowing fields in the distance. We do not see birds and animals, we do not see a large number of people, but we see the result of their life activity and work.
The picture is full of life, despite the fact that there are only two people in it. The view of the church makes you think about who built it, and how it was built, who prayed in it and why, you want to know the history associated with this majestic building, you want to visit there, breathe in clean and fresh air, feel the cool wind on your skin .
Option 2
Many artists knew how to appreciate the beauty around them, and the famous painter Sergei Vasilyevich Gerasimov manages to see a little from the other side. The basis of his works are landscapes that convey the beauty of native Russian nature.
When we first look at this picture, we have only the warmest and brightest feelings. You might think that the artist depicted this church simply and without frills, but if you take a closer look, you can understand that other details would only interfere with enjoying this tenderness and beauty.
The whole picture is made in bright and rich colors. She simply shines with this diversity. In the foreground you can see an emerald-colored lawn with yellow tints of colors, along which a blue-blue river slowly flows. The walls of the church, located on a small hill, are reflected in the waters of this clear river. The walls of the church are light white, only the domes and roofs are golden. This building seems to reach towards the sky at its elevation. Trees are depicted next to the church and a little further away. The weather is bright and sunny. You can feel the warmth of the rays a little. And the sky is depicted as blue, along which snow-white clouds float imposingly and slowly. Here and there you can see gray clouds, which do not darken the picture, but add some mystery.
The girl occupies a special place in the picture. She is depicted standing and looking either into the open spaces, or looking at this architectural monument, the church. And the child stands and collects wildflowers under the gaze of his mother.
Sergei Gerasimov very harmoniously depicted fields covered with flowers, and various trees and shrubs. This combination fascinates and captivates our thoughts. A light wind excites the leaves of the trees, but very gently and playfully. The place of honor of the temple on the canvas only adds grace to the picture.
It creates a feeling of filling the soul with something sublime and spiritual. It seems that this architectural monument glows from the inside and permeates the entire picture with its purity and innocence. The relationship between people and the church creates a single combination of life and miracle.
Option 3
The famous painting by Gerasimov, the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, is presented in bright and rich colors. Looking at the picture, you can see a beautiful landscape combined with the structure of the church. The painting conveys something spiritual and simple. Thanks to the bright rays of the sun, the church looks immaculately white, despite its ancient appearance. The hill on which the church is located is in the first place of the picture; apparently this was the part of the earth where, in ancient times, spiritual rituals were performed. The river flowing along the entire coast has a pleasant blue tint, which reflects the clouds. On the opposite bank of the river, you can see the silhouette of a walking mother and her child, who bring life and kindness into the picture.
In the background of the picture you can see a fairly old building. But despite this, the building has retained its colors and structure. If you look around the church, you can see that the church is decorated with real rural nature, birch trees, green grass, and fields. The presence of a boat on the river bank near the church suggests that the church could only be reached thanks to it. Judging by the slope of the trees, you can understand that the weather is slightly windy, but sunny and clear. Blue clouds go perfectly with the green background of the grass, which has a pronounced green color, which means it’s warm spring days outside. It is on such days that all living things in nature wake up, birds fly from cold lands, insects awaken, and all nature comes to life. The fields have not yet woken up from winter, but still create a pleasant atmosphere for the picture.
On the right side of the church, you can see the silhouettes of people walking into the distance, perhaps they visited this modest place of prayer. This indicates that the church is in full working order and welcomes parishioners with kindness.
If we talk in general about the picture, then the picture itself contains pure and good thoughts. If you look at the subtleties of all the elements, then you can safely understand why you can still love nature and all its assets. The author himself, thanks to the brightness of the colors, was able to convey exactly those feelings that he carried within himself while painting this masterpiece.
History of the temple on the Nerl
Church of the Intercession on the Nerl. Contemporary photography
The temple was built in the 12th century. under the Vladimir prince Andrei Bogolyubsky in memory of the successful campaign of the Suzdal troops against the Volga Bulgars. This is one of the most poetic ancient Russian churches; it is dedicated to the Feast of the Intercession. The artist I. Grabar believed that “the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl near Vladimir is not only the most perfect temple created in Rus', but also one of the greatest monuments of world art...” For many centuries, not only art historians, but also ordinary art lovers have admired the temple itself and the high skill of ancient Russian architects, who knew how to “fit” an architectural object into the surrounding nature. The church's dome rises straight into the blue sky, reflected in the same blue water. And it seems that this place was simply created for her by nature itself. In fact, the hill on which it stands is man-made. At the mouth of the river, huge boulders were filled up, which became an island in the middle of the river. During the spring melting of snow and flooding of the river, the temple stands majestically, surrounded by water.
S. Gerasimov “Church of the Intercession on the Nerl” (1953). Canvas, oil. State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow) But Gerasimov depicted the temple in summer, surrounded by green foliage, blue water and azure sky. The church stands in the distance, but every detail of it is visible: both the white stone carvings and the reliefs on the facade. Gerasimov surprisingly accurately reproduced the proportions of the temple given to it by Russian architects. If the Demetrius Cathedral in the city of Vladimir is often compared to a miracle hero, then the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl River is comparable to a snow-white swan floating alone along the river. The dome of the church in the picture even somehow leaned forward, as if a swan, stretching its neck, is trying to look beyond the horizon. It would seem that there is nothing special in this church. An old building, of which there are many in Rus'. There are taller, more beautiful, more richly decorated ones. But something elusively dear and touching is seen in this ancient church. Maybe the place itself is “prayed.” Perhaps the architects were able not only to build a church, but to breathe life and soul into it. More than one generation has tried to discover the secret of this modest charm. But there is no secret: everyone sees in the cathedral a piece of their homeland, big and small. Just as modest, but majestic. A boat is tied to the shore. Who sailed on it? Maybe she has been standing here for a long time and remembers the wandering monks who came to worship the shrine? Unknown. Maybe a woman walking on the shore with her baby was thinking about this. She looks towards the temple, throwing a jacket over her shoulders. Who knows what she was thinking about. Maybe about the fate of his child, or maybe he’s just enjoying a warm summer day, admiring the beauty of the cathedral. An excellent landscape painter, Gerasimov depicted the church, blending it into the surrounding nature. He used bright colors for the greenness of the grass and foliage, and the blue surface of the water. White weightless clouds float over the temple, competing with it in whiteness and purity. The picture exudes summer warmth and sun, but there is no heat that incinerates all living things around. The picture can be called peaceful and life-affirming at the same time. The brightness and richness of the colors give the canvas vitality. Where does it come from: from an ancient temple or from Russian open spaces? Or maybe it is this combination that gives rise to such a feeling? After all, a good landscape artist not only depicts what he sees, wanting to share his feelings and experiences, but also makes the viewer see in his canvases what is near and dear to each of us. The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl attracts the attention of artists, photographers and simply connoisseurs of beauty. It is drawn and photographed from all sides; the impeccable forms of the church evoke admiration from everyone who has seen it. There is a painting with a similar title by the artist S.A. Baulina. He, too, could not resist the beauty of the Orthodox church, leaving its image on canvas. And there is no need to compare these pictures with each other. After all, both canvases sing the song of his grace and greatness.
S.A. Baulin "Temple of the Intercession on the Nerl"
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Description of the painting 4
Another canvas by Gerasimov, which conveys all the simplicity and at the same time the greatness of his native nature.
The picture is very beautiful! She is so tender and bright that you want to look at her and look at her.
It seems that the painting depicts the very time of year when spring turns into summer. This is evidenced by fresh green grass, and the snow-white temple clearly stands out. The temple looks strict and at the same time festive thanks to the only dome stretching to the heavens.
The river brings its charm to this picture. In its clear water surface you can see the reflection of pink and white clouds floating into the distance, and the bright greenery growing on its banks.
The artist did not forget to depict people on the canvas. Immediately the eye catches a woman in a soft pink robe. She went for a walk with her child. A child picks flowers and plays with grass. For him, these goals are the world of the new and unknown!
To the right, a little further away, you can see another group of people. Their silhouettes look like temple servants - like monks. Perhaps they also went for a walk, or perhaps they are going to conduct morning service.
An empty boat is barely visible on the left. It can be assumed that its owner entered the temple to light a candle.
Behind the temple you can see houses and tall trees resembling birch or poplar. The houses are neat and brightly colored. Perhaps these houses belong to the temple servants, or perhaps to ordinary people who come here to pray.
In the very distance, you can see something white, it’s probably a chapel. Most likely, it has great significance and memory for the local population.
Looking at the canvas, it seems that pilgrims are about to arrive to honor this place.
Looking at the picture, calmness, peace and grace begin to reign in the soul. Her color scheme is one hundred percent conducive to this. After seeing this painting, I really wanted to visit this place. And I hope that it is the same as it is depicted, beautiful, innocent and without many tourists who often behave like savages, destroying everything around.
Essay description of the painting Church of the Intercession on the Nerl by Gerasimov
The Russian soul always responds reverently and rejoices when it sees beautiful, solemn churches with shining golden domes. But in Great Rus' there are inconspicuous, modest churches, looking at which the soul sings.
One of these is the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl, standing in the middle of the endless Russian plain. She is so miniature and graceful that she seems to be about to soar into the sky and fly away. The artist S. Gerasimov depicted it as if revived ancient Rus' appears before us in all its glory.
The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl was founded in the 12th century in honor of the seventeen-year-old grandson of Yuri Dolgoruky, son of Andrei Bogolyubsky, who fell in battle. The young prince died in battle and his father erected a church in his honor, glorifying his military merits. The location of the temple is unique. He stands on a high man-made bank, among green floodplain meadows, looking at the river spit.
Some, seeing the white church, compared it to a boat under a sail, which flies into the distance along the waves of time. To others, it resembles a white star that stands in the center of the universe and lights the way.
Like a cloud from the sky descended into the fields, And this will never happen again in Rus'. How can we be forgiven by the crucified God? This temple is in the meadows of the Intercession on the Nerl! (Leonid Grayvoronsky)
The artist very correctly chose the central angle to depict the Church on the Nerl. The blue sky soars high; below, against the background of a green slope, a river flows, and its blue color seems to echo the sky. And between them, like a sail, the church floats. The waters of the river, like the flow of time, rush into the distance. Generations change, years pass, but the Intercession on the Nerl, like a swan temple, stands above everyone.
The white temple stands out as a bright spot against the background of a bright summer day. A colorful day, green meadows, blue sky, a dazzling white church - only with such artistic techniques could the picture be depicted. It is like an inextricable connection between man and nature, where the church personifies a living being. It catches your eye and doesn’t let you go. Looking at nature, we again glance at the church, admiring its iridescent domes. She is like a poem in stone, which must be reread and reread in order to learn the history of Rus'.
Everything is harmonious in this picture - distant meadows, a green slope, trees standing at a distance, a quiet, leisurely river, the summer air is frozen and quietly ringing. A woman with a child standing on the opposite bank, as if under the protection of the church, under its cover, monks hurrying somewhere - everyone is busy with business. And only the temple has stood silently for centuries, piercing the heavens with its domes, guarding the peace of great Rus'.
The artist perfectly conveyed the character of the temple, perhaps the most beautiful in Rus' - calm, grandeur and tranquility.
Gerasimov fully managed to express the feeling of pride in the victories of his ancestors with the image of a small but strong-willed Temple of the Intercession on the Nerl. This is one of my favorite paintings by the author. She exudes goodness and calmness.
8th grade
Architecture of the building
Many historians and researchers consider the Church of the Intercession to be the most beautiful of Russian churches. It is distinguished by unusually harmonious proportions, elegance of elements and a certain asceticism, which does not allow pompous and provocative decorations. These characteristics create the illusion of lightness and airiness of the building - the temple seems to rush to the sky, towering above the surrounding landscape.
Briefly about the architectural features of the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl:
- The middle apse and the window on it are slightly raised compared to the side ones. This creates the illusion of elevation and visually increases the height of the temple.
- The facade is decorated with arcature, and the entrances are perspective arched portals decorated with carvings. The walls are also decorated with pilasters and half-columns, which correspond in location to the interior decoration. Their total thickness is 1.5 times that of a standard wall, which makes the structural design of the cathedral very pronounced.
- The northern and southern walls of the temple are asymmetrical, and the spindles are very narrow. But thanks to the structure of the apses and the peculiarities of the architectural composition, the building looks harmonious and balanced when viewed from any angle.
- The walls of the building are strictly vertical and straight, but thanks to the asymmetrical proportions they appear to be inclined inward, which enhances the illusion of the great height of the structure. From the inside, this effect is supported by the narrowing of the pillars at the top.
- The base of the building is almost a square quadrangle. It is small in size - only 10 by 10 m, excluding apses and the space under the dome. The small space inside, combined with other architectural elements, enhances the “airiness” of the building.
- The depth of the cathedral’s foundation is 5.3 m, which is almost equal to its height. The building stands on an artificial hill. In ancient times, when the river overflowed its banks, it was necessary to get to it by boat.
The task of the ancient masters was to create not just a temple, but a work of art.
When looking at it, a person has a feeling of superiority of the spiritual over the material , a feeling of divine power and greatness.
This mood is achieved through purely architectural solutions, with almost no artistic elements. The overall impression of the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl will be incomplete without the surrounding landscape, because the plan of the building was drawn up with careful consideration of all its details.
Despite the shifting river beds, the cathedral looks extremely harmonious, almost merging with the surrounding nature.
