Bogatyr gallop, Vasnetsov 
- Author: Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov
- Museum: Vasnetsov House Museum, Moscow
- Year: 1914
Overview of the painting :
Bogatyrsky gallop – Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov. 1914. Oil on canvas
The plot of the picture is an image of a former Russian hero in full combat vestments, riding a powerful battle horse. The canvas captures the moment of the horse jump with the rider. To transfer the active movement, a diagonal composition with a feed from below is used – it seems as if the viewer is looking at the hero from the bottom up. This creates an additional sense of power and great physical strength.
The diagonal arrangement of the shape of the figure of a large black horse in a jump is emphasized by the spear lines and the direction of movement of the clouds. Such an artistic technique adds to the image of dynamics. The steep neck of the horse, its stubbornly inclined head, the strong landing of the hero – all this is designed to demonstrate strength and will to win.
To make the figure look even more impressive, it is depicted almost in a counter-circuit, against the background of a very bright sky. The raven horse and rider in rich armor clearly loom on a light air background. Their size and strength are emphasized by the low-lying horizon and miniature trees in the distance.
This picture is a vivid symbolic image of the strength and invincibility of the Russian people, which was designed to raise morale in wartime.