Show all images on one page	#008144 Title: Tale of a hump-backed horse Artist: Wagner Marie Size: 18.5x14.5x16 Size (inches): 7.25x5.75x6.25 Price : $3250 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 this five-sided casket the artist has painted several scenes from Russian fairy-tale a hump-backed horse.
In the beginning of the story Ivan has caught the magic mare that trampled down wheat on his father's field. Ivan was the only son who managed to do it while Ivan's brothers fell asleep instead of catching the thief. The mare promised Ivan to present three foals in exchange for freedom. The mare kept her promise and gave birth to two beautiful golden-maned steeds and the Little Humpbacked Pony. The golden-maned steeds helped Ivan to become the tsar's stableman, while the Little Humpbacked Pony became his faithful friend who helped him to fulfill various tasks. The capricious and self-willed tsar obliged Ivan to carry out very difficult tasks: to catch the firebird (this scene is painted on the top of the lid), to kidnap the beautiful Tsar Maiden (this scene is painted on the left curved side), and to get the Tsar Maiden's ring with the help of the Huge Whale (this scene is painted on the rear curved side). The box's right side shows the moment when Ivan has merried the Tsar Maiden. On the box's front side Wagner has painted the moment of the tale when Ivan transformed into a handsome man after dipping himself into three cauldrons of boiling water, boiling milk and ice cold water.
This palette is one commonly used by Wagner; reds and blues that are vivid and bright create the focal points in the scene. Her style is one that is unique to Fedoskino, and can easily be distinguished from other artists' styles. This scene is no exception as she is at the top of her game in her linear structure and brushwork. By layering her composition she creates a life-like depth. This adds to the already radiant color palette, which enhances the vivacity and life in the scene.
The box is constructed out of paper-mache. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box. The box has a hinge to its top and rests on a four legs. The box is signed with the artist's name and the village of Fedoskino.