Erminia at the shepherds, Brullov – overview of the painting

Erminia at the shepherds, Brullov – overview of the painting

• Posted by Karl Pavlovich Brullov
• Museum: Tretyakov Gallery
• Year: 1824

Overview of the painting :

Erminia at the shepherds – Karl Pavlovich Brullov. 1824. Oil on canvas, 98 x 137.5

   One of the most remarkable works of Brullov on a religious plot is the picture “Erminia at the shepherds.”. The painting was impressed by the poem “Free Jerusalem” by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso (16th century).

   Rural secluded life away from shocks as a plot for canvas – was very popular among artists, especially in the Baroque era. Young Herminia, the daughter of the Saracen king, in love with a Christian knight, went to look for a loved one for war, fearing for his life. Possessed in armor, she suddenly heard the magic sounds of the pipe – then the old shepherd played. Following the wonderful sounds, Herminia came to the old hut, where she saw the family of shepherds weaving baskets. Noticing a girl in military uniform, the old shepherd began to convince her of the charms of a secluded, calm, and most importantly, peaceful life.

   The classic plot with its traditional elements is nevertheless distinguished by the stylistic innovations that Brullov brought into his canvas. All images are characterized by a realistic interpretation – we see the living surprise of the shepherds, which is read both in faces and in poses. Only the figure of Herminia can be reproached for some academicity and statuarism – the folds of clothes have a pronounced sculptural interpretation.

   Despite all the harmony of the picture, it was still not finished by the painter – the fascinating nature of the master, drove him forward, forcing him to proceed to new stories.