Die Bojarin Morosowa im Schlitten

"Die Bojarin Morosowa im Schlitten" (Boyarina Morozova in the Sledge) is another 1884 study by Surikov related to his preparation for the monumental "Boyarina Morozova" of 1887. This study focuses on the central figure as she would appear in the sledge — the specific visual character of Morozova's posture, expression, and costuming as the painting's defining protagonist. Surikov produced multiple studies of this kind, working through different aspects of the final composition over several years of research. This Tretyakov Gallery holding shows the concentrated figure study that preceded the final canvas, the figure isolated from the crowd that would surround her to allow intensive examination of her individual presence. The German title suggests this study became known through German catalogues or reproductions, a reminder of the European circulation of Russian art in the nineteenth century.

In this study Surikov focuses on the Morozova figure alone, the crowd and architectural setting eliminated to concentrate entirely on the central figure's pose and expression. The raised hand and the face's expression of implacable conviction are the primary subjects of the study, tested in isolation before being integrated into the larger composition. The handling is direct and searching.