Morning of the Execution of the Streltsy
Vasily Surikov · 1881
Why it's great
On Red Square in Moscow in 1698, Peter the Great watches as rebel soldiers, the Streltsy, are about to be executed. Surikov painted the crowds in a clash of faces and colors. The tension makes you feel as if you're in the crowd. It is one of the great Russian history paintings.
🏛️ Part of history
Peter the Great & Russia Turns West (1682–1725) — Surikov's huge canvas shows the day Peter crushed the rebellious Streltsy guards in Red Square.
Where to see it
📍 State Tretyakov GalleryMoscow, Russia
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
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Vasily Surikov was born in Krasnoyarsk, in Siberia, and moved to Moscow and Saint Petersburg. He painted huge history scenes of Russia's past with crowds of vivid individuals. His paintings are among Russia's most loved. He died in Moscow in 1916.
