Viktor Vasnetsov was a Russian artist one of founders of Russian Historical Art. He worked on this painting for twenty years
As he described his own painting: three main heroes of Russian fairy tales, Ilia “Muromets” (from Murom town) in center looking far, Dobryinya “Nikititch” (son of Nikita) on left holding his sword and last is the youngest Alesha “Popovitch” (son of pope, an orthodox priest) he has a bow and “gusli” an old slavonian musical instrument of minnesingers, together watching the steppes if there are any enemies approaching motherland or someone hurts poor people. The grey skies behind says of danger ahead.
While painting of Dobrynya the artist made a self portrait.