‘The False Dmitry at Vishnevetsky’s’ was painted by realist artist Nikolai Nevrev in 1876. However, the artist’s way to historic painting was long. In different periods of his life, Nevrev worked in various genres. In 1850-early 1860’s, he was more apt at portraits – Moscow aristocracy and famous actors posed for the young artist.

The event portrayed in the painting took place in 1604 at the Time of Troubles. A person – Grigory Otrepiev – came to the mansion of a wealthy polish person Adam Vishnevetsky.

Otrepiev declared himself Dimitry, the son of Ivan the Terrible and asked Polish nobility to give him troops to return his throne. Nevrev portrayed the estate owner and a Polish priest. They are listening attentively to the False Dmitry, as they are also interested in a war with Moscow.

The artist painted this work in an exquisite subdued palette using the method of so-called smooth painting, when the texture of brushstrokes cannot be seen. Nikolai Nevrev created this and two more painting on request of archaeologist, count Alexei Uvarov for the opening day of the Russian History Museum. The painting was well received in the society. Positive reviews were printed in newspapers and magazines. In 1881, the artist was invited to join the Association of Itinerants.

His popularity, however, did not last long, critics did not appreciate his following paintings ‘Marina Mnishek in Moscow Prison’ and ‘Zakhar Lyapunov and Vasily Shuisky’. In 1894, Nevrev’s paintings were sold for the last time. The artist spent the money he was paid for charity, donating almost 8,000 rubles to a Ekaterininsk poor-house.