Show all images on one page	#001365 Title: The Tale of Tsar Saltan Artist: Strunin Mikhail Ivanovich Size: 24 x 11 x 5.5 Size (inches): 9.25 x 4.25 x 2.25 Price : $210 SOLD!

"The Knight was walking by the coast, attempting to forget his troubles. He went to the top of the tower and peered out across the sea. Suddenly, the water surface started moving. Large waves begin to come crashing ashore! The waves left 33 Bogatyr warriors in their wake. They were covered in shiny scales that sparkled like fire. They move forward as Chernomor leads them to the city." So read Pushkin's lines, inscribed on the bottom of this box. In this original composition by Mikhail Strunin of Mstera, Prince Gvidon stands on the threshold of his palace, as Chernomor's 33 wariors emerge from the sea. Tsar Saltan's kingdom lies in the distance. His merchants set sail, and will soon discover all of the wonders of Gvidon's magical land. "The Tale of Tsar Saltan", or "The Princess Swan" is the traditional Russian tale of a king and his son who become separated due to the jealous interference of two wicked stepsisters. With the help of the Swan Princess, they are finally reunited after years of separation. And, of course, everyone lives happily ever after! The artist who composed and painted this fantastic work of art is Mikhail Ivanovich Strunin, chief artist of the Center of Traditional Mstera Miniature. His composition shows his mastery of Russian iconography. He uses an icon method that has been developed over many centuries, which combines a series of meaningful frames to tell a complex story in one image. Icon painting distorts time, space, and proportion to create an image full of complexity and meaning. Subtle application of gold and silver paint is used to add definition and ornamentation to the scene. Strunin's wide use of color, fine detail and multiple layers of action have created this unique and intriguing work of art. Egg-tempera paint is the main medium used to paint this composition. A colorful palette based on three of the primary colors in the spectrum (red, yellow and blue) create a glowing composition. All of the colors are used in a harmonious balance of tonality and shade. Gold paint is used to decorate the plated armor on Tsar Morskoi and his warriors, and is also used to outline the details in Gvidon's clothing, the landscape, and the architecture. Strunin has given special attention to the individual details of the armor -- Each plate is precise and symmetrical. Swirling white paint is used against the blue ocean waters to create turbulent waves, pitching the ships and crashing against the shore. Strunin's characters have been painted with lifelike tone and shading, demonstrating amazing control and mastery of technique. Every feature, down to the individual strands of Prince Gvidon's hair and the guards' beards are is painted individually. The architecture in the two kingdoms is bold and full of imagination. The palace in prince Gvidon's kingdom is painted in warm mediterranian tones and ornamented with mozaic and tiles. Strunin has used soft blended strokes to create the impression of plaster moldings and beveling. Tsar Saltan's kingdom is a medieval style, with high, protective walls and golden spires. The box is made out of papier-mache from Mstera. Black lacquer is used to paint the outside and red lacquer to paint the inside of the box. The composition is finely outlined with salmon, and an ornate band of flower and leaf gold filigree frames the composition. The box's base is ornamented with flower and leaf gold filigree, flourishing and accented with green, blue and pink flowers. The lid is hinged at the top of the composition, and the box rests rests on short pyramidal feet. Inside, the box is divided into one main rectangular compartment and two half moon side compartments. Under the lid, the artist has written "The Tale of Tsar Saltan and His Son Prince Gvidon", with regal script and seals to each side, centered underneath and in the top corners. Upon completing the work on this box the artist writes Mstera, 2001, the title and his name, indicating that this is an original composition. Materials: paper-mache, egg-tempera paint, gold, aluminum, and lacquer.