Overview of the painting “Three Princesses of the Underworld”, Vasnetsov 
- Author: Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov
- Museum: Tretyakov Gallery
- Year: 1881
-
Overview of the painting :
Three princesses of the underground kingdom – Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov. Oil on canvas. 152.7 x 165.2 cm
The basis of the picture was a folk tale of underground princesses. For Vasnetsov, the princesses are the personification of the wealth of Russian land. Since the work was intended for the main office of the Donetsk Railway, the artist boldly changes the plot of the tale, introduces a new character – the Black Princess (coal).
Before us are the abducted princesses of the underground kingdoms. Different characters, different temperaments. Each of them is sad about a lost house. The attitude of the kings to their fate varies. The “golden” princess is cold and proud. Her emotions are hidden under an indifferent and contemptuous mask. Another reaction of the “Medal” is a princess. She is curious about everything around. As if familiar with people for a long time, she looks more confident than others and much more lively than her “golden” sister. It can be seen that, knowing the price, it is open for communication, inquisitive, simple.
The “corner” princess is not just sad, she mourns for the lost house. Confused and scared, he doesn’t even want to look at the new world. She has a single look facing her forever lost underground kingdom.
By age, the princesses are also different: the oldest is “Medium”, the middle is “Gold”, the youngest is “Cool”. In this order, people mastered earthly wealth. The work is filled with symbols and signs. The tale in the interpretation of Vasnetsov takes on a completely different meaning.