At the heart of Vasnetsov’s painting “Bayan” is one of the epic heroes of the same name. He is famous for being a skilful narrator. In addition, this hero is mentioned in the “Lay of Igor’s Host”. Vasnetsov could not ignore such a vivid personality so as not to paint a picture. After all, as is known, this artist is famous for his works devoted to Russian fairy tales, bylins.
In the center of the picture is a hill on which tired soldiers have settled down from the road. They listened attentively to the blind old man, who told them the story. In doing so, he plays the harp. Warriors listen very carefully and with concentration. Bayan’s story literally captured them with his interesting plot. In addition, the elder knows how to tell interesting that you just hear. Some of the vigilantes are looking somewhere into the distance, presenting the heroes of their homeland, its past. Warriors literally see their reality, they are so focused they look and imagine the heroic deeds of the same warriors as they are.
In the very center of this group the prince sits. His face looks harsh. He, like everyone else, listens attentively to the old man’s words. Next to the prince is his son, who is still too young for battle, but he listens no less carefully. His gaze also looks into the distance. Probably, he presents himself as a brave warrior. It seems that he himself participates in the battles for his native land, for its freedom and independence. Behind him stands an old Cossack. He listens to the old man, propping his head in his hands. Apparently, he recalls the times of his youth, when he took direct part in many battles for Russia.
Around these characters are depicted the Russian land. Its expanses are endless. There are young trees that make the picture literally “alive”. They seem to say that life goes on all the time, new generations are emerging. The artist painted a gray sky above the heads of listeners and a storyteller. It seems that even she listens to Bayan. His long hair is breezed by the wind. From this the picture turned out to be extremely realistic.
The painting “Bayan” is imbued with love for the Russian land, gratitude to the soldiers for their glorious victories during the defense of their homeland from uninvited guests.
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