Marienquelle in Nazaret 

Vasily Polenov painted "Marienquelle in Nazaret" using oil on canvas. Polenov was a Russian artist who painted this scene from one of his travels to the Middle East. During the 1880s, many Western artists traveled to the Middle East, seeking to experience biblical lands. Paintings such as this were popular amongst those of the upper class, who never had the opportunity to travel abroad themselves. As a result, these paintings were very profitable and sought after within the Russian art world. Polenov was influenced by the Russian art critic Vladimir Stasov, who encouraged Russian painters to create national art that would promote national revival. The painting presents a realistic view of the well and emphasizes the important daily task for the women and children in that time. To understand this work better, it’s important to remember how art and its institutions in Russia served specific social purposes tied to national identity. The social history of art helps us understand the complex interaction between culture, politics, and artistic expression.