Show all images on one page	#001658 Title: Magic of Oz Artist: Medvedeva Antonina Size: 15x10x4.5 Size (inches): 6x4x1.75 Price : $275 SOLD!

This incredible lacquer miniature by Antonina Medvedeva pays homage to Dorothy's adventures and those with whom she shared them! In the center of the scene is the mysterious but visibly unhappy Wizard, the self-proclaimed 'humbug'. Around him are the various forms that he appeared to the heroes of the story, a monster, a beautiful maiden, a large face, and a fireball. He sits on his throne pensively, worried that his secret would be out--not only disappointing his subjects, but most assuredly bringing his destruction at the hands of the wicked witch.
Above this scene, the Winged Monkeys are carrying the four friends over the land of the Hammer-Heads to the land of the Quadlings. Dorothy is carried over so gingerly by two monkeys, with Toto in her lap. Only the lion seems awkward, since he is so large. In the lower right corner, Dorothy presents the Golden Cap to Glinda the Good Witch, who in turn uses it to aid the heroes. In the lower left corner, Dorothy can be seen with the empty bucket, its contents having rained down on the now melting Wicked Witch.
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" began as a whimsical idea for a book. In 1880 New York native Lyman Frank Baum began what turned into a whole series of books in which he created the land of Oz, and eventually incorporated these larger than life, lighthearted, and fantastic characters into his most famous book "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (1900). Almost a year after the novel was published, Baum adapted it as a musical extravaganza entitled "The Wizard of Oz", and right up to his death he wrote thirteen more books based on the Oz characters. The American musical film based on the original books by Baum was an international success and eventually various international versions were premiering across the globe. "The Wizard of the City of Emeralds", directed by V. Popov and L. Smironov, was the Russian version, which became incredibly popular all throughout Russia in 1973. This film was based on the Russian version of this tale written by Aleksandr Melentyevich Volkov (Volshebnik Izumrudnogo Goroda in Russian).
Antonina Medvedeva is a talented artist, capable of producing both whimsical and serious compositions. She has the ability to design multi-scened miniatures, such as this one, with apparent ease, in which an entire story unfolds and no scene distracts or is shrouded by another. Bright colors, and attention to detail help to make her work both collectible and adorable.
Using egg-tempera paints, Medvedeva creates the various realms of Oz. She also uses go aluminum paints in certain occasions, where appropriate.
The composition is with beautiful floral patterns painted in gold, aluminum and green egg-tempera paints. The sides of the box are decorated with less elaborate but also very beautiful gold and aluminum patterns. The lid isn't hinged and the box rests on a small platform. The title (the artist writes here the name of Russian version of this tale), Medvedeva's signature, and the village name of Mstera can all be found along the bottom of the scene in gold paint. A fascinating work that does wonderful justice to a great classic!