Grand Duke Oleg Collection

Oleg of Novgorods campaign against Constantinople, 1832. Private Collection

The Death of Grand Duke Oleg, 1832. Private Collection

Illustration for Canto of Oleg the Wise, 1899. Artist: Vasnetsov, Viktor Mikhaylovich (1848-1926)
Illustration for Canto of Oleg the Wise, 1899. Private Collection

Grand Duke Oleg with the Prince Igor. 882 (From Illustrated Karamzin), 1836. Found in the collection of Russian State Library, Moscow

Prince Oleg before the Gates of Constantinople. 906 (From Illustrated Karamzin), 1836. Found in the collection of Russian State Library, Moscow

The Death of Grand Duke Oleg. 912 (From Illustrated Karamzin), 1836. Artist: Chorikov, Boris Artemyevich (1802-1866)
The Death of Grand Duke Oleg. 912 (From Illustrated Karamzin), 1836. Found in the collection of Russian State Library, Moscow

Canto of Oleg the Wise. Double page, 1899. Private Collection

The Death of Grand Duke Oleg, before 1839. Artist: Bruni, Fyodor Antonovich (1800-1875)
The Death of Grand Duke Oleg, before 1839. Found in the collection of the Russian National Library, St. Petersburg

Oleg of Novgorods campaign against Constantinople, before 1839. Artist: Bruni, Fyodor Antonovich (1800-1875)
Oleg of Novgorods campaign against Constantinople, before 1839. Found in the collection of the Russian National Library, St. Petersburg

Oleg of Novgorods campaign against Constantinople (from the Radziwill Chronicle), 15th century. Artist: Anonymous
Oleg of Novgorods campaign against Constantinople (from the Radziwill Chronicle), 15th century. Found in the collection of the Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg

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"Grand Duke Oleg: A Legendary Figure in Russian History" Grand Duke Oleg of Novgorod, a prominent ruler during the 9th century, left an indelible mark on Russian history. His campaign against Constantinople in 912 is remembered as one of his most significant achievements. The clash between these two great powers captivated the imaginations of artists and historians alike. In 1832, "The Death of Grand Duke Oleg" became a subject for artistic interpretation. Artists such as Boris Artemyevich Chorikov depicted this pivotal moment with emotional intensity, capturing the grandeur and tragedy surrounding Oleg's demise. Viktor Mikhaylovich Vasnetsov's illustrations for the Canto of Oleg the Wise (1899) further immortalized this legendary figure. Through his artistry, Vasnetsov brought to life scenes from Prince Oleg's reign and campaigns against Constantinople. These illustrations showcased both his military prowess and strategic brilliance. Another artist who contributed to preserving Grand Duke Oleg's legacy was Fyodor Antonovich Bruni. His paintings depicting "The Death of Grand Duke Oleg" and "Oleg of Novgorod's Campaign Against Constantinople" captured key moments in vivid detail before 1839. Even earlier depictions can be found in historical manuscripts like the Radziwill Chronicle from the 15th century. Though anonymous, these artworks provide valuable insights into how people perceived Grand Duke Oleg during that time. Today, we continue to remember Grand Duke Oleg as a wise leader whose actions shaped Russia's destiny. From epic battles to tragic endings, his story remains etched in our collective memory thanks to talented artists like Chorikov, Vasnetsov, Bruni, and countless others who have preserved his legend through their masterpieces.