The painting refers us to the events of the second half of the 10th century, shortly before Christianization of Rus’. Prince Vladimir, the then ruler of Novgorod, was a cruel and ruthless ruler. Once he came to request Rogneda’s, Princess of Polotsk, hand in marriage but because of his origin — he was the son of a slave woman — was refused. The Prince attacked Polotsk, killed the Princess’ family and forcibly made her his wife.

The character of Losenko’s painting, however, does not look all that immoral. He has repented of his deed and is asking for Rogneda’s forgiveness. The artist made this painting as an assignment from the Academy of Arts, and the assignment was such that he could not depict tragic moments. Therefore he treated the Prince’s deeds in the spirit of the 18th century enlightenment ideas of a fair and kind sovereign.

The way the painter depicted clothes and scenery is remarkable. The historical sources he used were the “Russian Primary Chronicle” [Tale of Bygone Years] and Mikhail Lomonosov’s work ‘Old Russian History’. However, no detailed materials about the life style and culture of ancient times were available at that time. That is why the background architecture looks like taken from the antique times, and costumes like 18th century dresses.

Not only did the artist become the founder of Russian historical painting but he was among the first to depict his characters’ emotions and passions. At that time, it was considered to be up to literature and theatre to convey people’s inner feelings while fine arts demonstrated ceremonial portraits or abstracted idealistic images.