Show all images on one page	#001203 Title: Peter the Great Artist: Fomichyov S.S. Size: 7.5x15x2.5 Price : $790 SOLD!

This magnificent cigarette-case was painted by the talented Fomichyov S.S. from Fedodskino. The composition decorating the piece shows Peter I, the first Russian Emperor. Peter the Great made much for development and prosperity of the Russian state. He was the reformer of Russian political system who carried out the policy of Westernization of Russia. Being a talented and resolute personality, he managed to found the Russian fleet and enlarge considerably the territory of Russian state. As a result of Russian- Swedish wars the territories of Lithuania, Estonia and Ingria were joined to Russia. In Ingria Peter the Great established the well-known town of St.-Petersburg, that is one of the most beautiful towns in the world and is considered to be the second capital of Russia.
The composition is rather symbolic. Peter I is depicted standing on the embankment of the Neva River and behind his back the panorama of St.-Petersburg can be seen. It can be interpreted as "Peter I is the founder of St.-Petersburg". The Emperor leans his elbows on the cannon and hold the sword in his hand. It means that Peter I did much for consolidation and modernization of the Russian Army. The blue ribbon that decorates the Emperor's costume is a component of the Order of Andrey Pervozvanny, which is the first Russian order. It was instituted by Peter I in 1699. The basic component of this order is the enameled "X"-shaped Cross, on which, according to the legend, Saint Andrew was crucified. This cross was worn on the wide blue ribbon thrown over the right shoulder. The other component is the eight-rayed Star with the central medallion depicting the Cross of Andrey Pervozvanny. Such famous people as P.A. Rumyantsev, A.V. Suvorov, G.A. Potyomkin were awarded with this order.
The palette gives the scene a photo quality, which is appealing at first glance and even while meditating on the painting. Peter's face and his costume are scrupulously painted. The depth of the sky is amazing.
The oval composition is framed with the intricate gold designs that consist of lines, beads and stylized foliage. The small gold pattern in the shape of a flower can be found on the backside of the box.
The cigarette-case is made of papier-mache. Ash-grey oil paint covers the exterior of the box while dark red lacquer completes the interior of the work. The whole surface of the box's exterior is also covered with free designs that resemble sprinkled aluminum dust. The work is signed with the artist's name, village and year (1997).