# Golenishtchev — Anna Karenina character guide

> Golenishtchev in Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0116-part-iv-xvi

## Who they are

An old school friend of Vronsky's, a liberal intellectual living in Italy.

## In the story

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-vii)

An old comrade of Vronsky's, now a liberal intellectual writing 'Two Elements'. He displays nervous irascibility and unhappiness but accepts Anna and Vronsky's situation without judgment or allusion.

### [The Illusion of a New Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-ix)

Visits Anna and Vronsky, leading a theoretical discussion about Mihailov's art and modern freethinkers. He agrees to accompany them to the artist's studio.

### [The Artist's Studio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-x)

Eagerly telling Anna something as they arrive; had given the visitors a negative account of Mihailov beforehand.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-xi)

Acts as the primary critic, offering observations on Pilate's character and debating the painting's theological conception, ultimately confounding Mihailov.

### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-xii)

Accompanies Anna and Vronsky, praises Mihailov's study of the boys with sincere admiration, and participates in the post-visit discussion about talent.

### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-xiii)

Provides unsolicited artistic theories to Mihailov and Vronsky. He is the first to voice the opinion that Mihailov is jealous of Vronsky. His constant presence contributes to the tedium of life in Italy.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters/golenishtchev
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/characters