Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

by

Leo Tolstoy

Anna Karenina: Part 5, Chapter 12 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Anna and Vronsky admire a small painting, which Mikhailov says he had forgotten about; it is out because it has been put out to be sold. When the visitors leave, Mikhailov continues to work on the Pilate painting. Vronsky, Anna, and Golenishchev discuss the small painting, which Vronsky says he will buy.
Because Vronsky cannot assert his masculinity and talent in Mikhailov’s studio through artistic prowess, he asserts his dominance through purchasing power, insisting on buying the small, forgotten painting that he and Anna like.
Themes
Marriage and Family Life Theme Icon
Adultery and Jealousy Theme Icon
Society and Class Theme Icon