Anna Karenina · Character

Mihailov

A talented but socially awkward painter in Italy whom Vronsky and Anna commission for a portrait.

minor

First appearance: part iv xvi

Mihailov shows up with force in The Illusion of a New Life. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The Russian artist, living in poverty in a remote suburb, is the subject of debate.

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In The Illusion of a New Life: The Russian artist, living in poverty in a remote suburb, is the subject of debate. His painting of 'Christ before Pilate' is criticized for its realistic, non-traditional depiction.

Later, in The Artist's Studio: Working intensely on his painting; his creative process is fueled by domestic strife and a sudden inspiration from a mundane detail (candle tallow). He is acutely sensitive to the opinions of his visitors.

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See Mihailov in part iv xvi

Character Web

6 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Anna & Vronsky's Italian Circle
Levin's Social & Family Circle
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Levin reaches an emotional and intellectual crisis where his abstract, fearful understanding of death is shatt…

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In the story

Mihailov appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Illusion of a New Life
The Russian artist, living in poverty in a remote suburb, is the subject of debate. His painting of 'Christ before Pilate' is criticized for its realistic, non-traditional depiction.
The Artist's Studio
Working intensely on his painting; his creative process is fueled by domestic strife and a sudden inspiration from a mundane detail (candle tallow). He is acutely sensitive to the opinions of his visitors.
XI
The painter, acutely sensitive to the visitors' judgment of his work. He cycles through contempt, self-doubt, ecstatic validation, and finally intellectual defeat during their critique.
Chapter XII
The artist, initially discomfited by his visitors' opinions, forgets his finished work. After they leave, he re-engages with his painting of Pilate and Christ, finding inspiration and correcting details.
Chapter XIII
Paints a masterful portrait of Anna that captures her soul's expression. He is cold, hostile, and uncomfortable in Vronsky's social world, finding Vronsky's artistic dabbling distasteful and offensive.
Levin's First Meeting with Anna
The artist who painted the captivating portrait of Anna that mesmerizes Levin.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mihailov in part iv xvi

See Mihailov in The Illusion of a New Life