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Anna Karenina, Part 5, Chapter 13 summary

Part 5, Chapter 13 of 239 · 5 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 13, Mihailov paints a portrait that reveals Anna’s beauty, but his reserve leads Vronsky and his companions to mistake artistic distaste for jealousy. Vronsky abandons his own painting, and the couple’s growing boredom prompts a decision to return to Russia, where Anna intends to see her son.

What happens

  1. Mihailov sells Vronsky his painting and paints Anna’s portrait, whose beauty impresses everyone.
  2. Mihailov keeps his distance despite their friendliness, and Golenishtchev attributes his reserve to jealousy of Vronsky.
  3. Vronsky stops his own portrait of Anna but continues his medieval picture, which his companions admire.
  4. Mihailov feels relieved when the sittings end because Vronsky’s amateur painting and Golenishtchev’s lectures offend and tire him.
  5. Recognizing that he cannot finish his picture, Vronsky stops painting altogether.
  6. Bored with their surroundings and company, Anna and Vronsky decide to return to Russia and spend the summer on his family estate.

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In this chapter

AnnaVronsky

What to notice

Vronsky accepts his stalled work without inventing excuses. Losing this occupation makes his life with Anna feel empty and prompts their decision to leave.

Quick check

Why does Anna intend to return to Russia?

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