# Mihailov — Anna Karenina character guide

> Mihailov in Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

**Role:** minor

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

## Who they are

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

## In the story

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

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-x)

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-v-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-vii-ix)

The artist who painted the captivating portrait of Anna that mesmerizes Levin.

## Links

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