One of the most significant phenomena in Russian painting in the second half of the 19th century is the work of Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov. The multifaceted work of the artist, where he strove, to apply all his talents knew no bounds. He is a painter and theatre artist, architect and musician, and has acted as an innovator in many ways. The book includes memoirs, diaries and letters of the famous Russian artist. Published documents are selected from family and state archives.