Mikhail Lermontov. Elbrus at sunrise. 1837-1838. The Lermontov National Memorial Estate Tarkhany, Penza Region.

Few people know, but the great Russian poet Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov learned to draw before writing poetry. His artistic heritage is represented by many oil paintings, pencil drawings, miniatures and illustrations for literary works. At the same time, Lermontov worked in various techniques — in painting, watercolor, drawing and lithography. Mount Elbrus, which is the highest mountain peak in Russia and Europe, was painted in the rays of the rising sun by Lermontov after his return from his first exile to the Caucasus.