Show all images on one page	#004608 Title: Prince Ivan, the Fire Bird, and the Grey Wolf Artist: Wagner Marie Size: 17.5x12x7.5 Size (inches): 6.75x4.75x3 Price : $1150 SOLD!

This fascinating piece of genuine Russian artistry was composed by the leading Fedoskino artist, Maria Wagner. She has a peculiar, easily recognizable style of painting that is evaluated highly by collectors all over the world.
On the box's lid the artist has painted the happy end of the Russian fairy-tale “Prince Ivan, the Fire Bird, and the Grey Wolf”. In this tale Prince Ivan is obliged to fulfill the tsar's orders: to get the Fire Bird, the horse with the golden mane, and the beautiful Princess Yelena. His friend, the Grey Wolf, helps him to make these difficult tasks. Here we can see Ivan playing gusli and singing about his adventures. All people of the kingdom, including Princess Yelena are listening to him attentively.
The scene is painted in Wagner's favorite palette dominated by blues, reds and greens. This palette is strengthened by gold and silver powders used as an underlayer for the oils. On the box's sides Wagner has painted three additional scenes painted in oils on the theme of the tale. The front side shows Ivan Tsarevich putting the wedding ring on Princess Yelena's finger. On the right and left sides the artist has painted the firebird. On the rear side we can find a rich and intricate floral design painted in silver paints. For additional decoration the box's sides are decorated with the luxuriant pattern that imitates a stone color (gold veins and spots are scattered against the black lacquered background).
The box is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while red lacquer completes the interior of the box. A hinge has been fastened to the top of the composition, and the box rests on legs. The work is signed with the artist's name and the village of Fedoskino.