1773
oil on canvas
102.5 x 139.5

Akimov’s work was considered to be exemplary in his own age. The artist turned for inspiration to medieval Russian history and the events of the 10th century. Prince Svyatoslav was the son of Prince Igor and Princess Olga. While he was in Pereyaslavl on the Danube, he learned of the attack on Kiev by the Pechenegs. He returned with his retinue, drove out the enemy and was met by his saved family. In turning to the subject of his country’s history, the artist of the age of Classicism apparently ignored the historical and national peculiarities. The heroes of the painting are dressed in the cloaks and togas of antiquity and could hardly look less like the citizens of medieval Russia (Rus). The artist considered his main task to be not an accurate rendering of the historical atmosphere of long gone days. The subject is merely a pretext for giving flesh to the high idea of art – to instill in the hearts of his fellow countrymen a “passion for virtue,” for feats of bravery, and a striving to follow the example of great people.

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 2