Vasily Surikov. The Taking of a Snow Fortress.
1891. Oil on canvas. 156 x 282.
The State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia.
In 1887, Surikov’s wife died. Her death caused a deep depression: he gave up painting, turned to religion, and left with his children for Siberia. The atmosphere, familiar from childhood, and the caring attitude of his friends restored him to life. In 1891, in Siberia, Surikov painted his most joyous picture «Taking of a Snow Fortress», which shows a Siberian game in which a horseman must jump over a snow wall, defended by young people with twigs and whips. This cheerful painting is an exception in his art, all other paintings by Surikov are very serious.
