The painting "Above Eternal Rest" is immediately associated with the name of the landscape painter Isaac Levitan and is considered a symbol of Russian art. However, few know that it was painted in the small town of Plyos, which played a key role in shaping the artist's style. It was to these places that Levitan dedicated many of his works, which brought him fame and recognition.

Levitan first found himself in Plyos by chance. At the age of 27, after graduating from school without a diploma and in a state of creative crisis, he worked as a landscape teacher. Having saved some money, he set off with friends on a journey along the Volga in search of inspiration. However, the beginning of the trip disappointed him: the weather was gloomy, and the Volga seemed dull. But, while passing by Plyos, the artist unexpectedly insisted on disembarking and stopping in this town. Although his companions were not enticed by the prospect of staying in a small fishing settlement, they agreed, as Levitan found inspiration here.

Despite his brief stay, Levitan fell in love with Plyos and later spent three summer seasons there, creating over 200 works, including a sketch of the Peter and Paul Fortress, which became the basis for his famous painting "Above Eternal Rest."

After completing his "Plyos period," Levitan was accepted into the Society of Traveling Art Exhibitions, and his patron became the philanthropist Sergey Morozov. The artist did not forget Plyos and returned there with friends from the "traveling artists." As a result, the town soon became a popular vacation spot for Muscovites and St. Petersburg residents. Locals still joke: "Levitan created Plyos, and Plyos created Levitan."