Show all images on one page	#002018 Title: At the midday Artist: Wagner Maria Size: 13.5x10x5.5 Size (inches): 5.25x4x2.25 Price : $495 SOLD!

This alluring piece of genuine Russian artistry was composed by Maria Wagner from the village of Fedoskino. She has made a name for herself through her diversity. Her compositions are very easy to recognize. They have a unique flavor that opens a vault of collectable possibilities.
Wagner has depicted a loving couple that has just returned from fetching fresh water from the well. The girl's grandfather in the background recalls a similar situation, when he and his wife first met. Even the horse that draws the carriage has one eye on the adorable circumstances. Grandfather won't be able to enjoy the moment for very much longer, grandma is waiting at home. Romance is in the air.
The box is constructed from paper-mache made. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the box while a radiant red lacquer is used to complete the interior of the piece. A hinge has been fastened to the top of the composition to be used for ease of opening. The four base sides have been decorated with a lovely pattern of flowered golden filigree that is rich with texture. The box rests upon four rounded feet carved as a portion of the base.
The artistry here is soothing and heart warming. A rainbow of slick tones graduate from lights to darks, to shimmers and shines, and back again. The palette is naturally appealing. There is significant texture in numerous areas, three-dimensional even. This is primarily evident in the branches of the large tree just behind the characters. The addition of aluminum paint is one of the prime reasons for this. The background horizon glows with a silvery overcast gloss. The sky blue is now that much more vivid. Gold leaf and the aluminum has also been added to the characters' clothes, the roof tops of the structures, the grass and as shading within the wagon wheel. Within the clothing, this creates sublime detail among the threads of the material. Because the horse isn't as elaborate, it appears all the more realistic and natural. This is a striking composition from all angles.