In this period, life provided the artist with plenty of thrilling topics, positive figures and images. It was the repeated renewal of the very conception of realism that made this style dominate throughout his life.  The Russian theme in landscapes, rivers, forest, as well as genre scenes and robust portraits and dramatic movements in Russian history.  He developed his own unique style as a historical realist.  His innate ability to identify and recreate historical themes and characters on canvas was highly acclaimed by art critics.  His well-executed portraits showed the inner essence of the subject.  His love for animals could be seen with placements of a dog in many of his paintings.