Show all images on one page	#002013 Title: Ruslan and Lyudmila Artist: Shirokova Anastasia Size: 16x11.5x9 Size (inches): 6.25x4.5x3.5 Price : $285 SOLD!

This highly attractive piece of genuine Russian artistry was created by Mstera master Anastasya Shirokova. She is the daughter of the prominent Mstera artist Anatoly Shirokov. She has adopted her father's painting methods that is why her works bear resemblance to the works of her father. This piece is a feast for the eyes, and a handsome addition to any collection.
The artist has depicted several moments from the classic Russian fairy-tale of Ruslan and Ludmila. A favorite among Russian tales, Ruslan and Ludmila was written in poetic form by Russia's most beloved writer, Alexander Pushkin. It was later the basis of Glinka's most successful opera.
The center of this composition shows Ruslan watching over the slumbering Ludmila, who has fallen under the evil Chernomor's spell. The two characters are handsomely painted, with subtly blended, Slavic features. Ludmila's long flowing locks of blond hair have been defined individually with a single-hair brush. Her gown is amazing, with rich gold detailing, transparent lengths of lace, and natural draping. Ruslan has curly locks and a thick beard. Each golden plate of his armor is individually detailed, and his cape blows in a graceful upsweep adding motion to the scene. Ruslan stays by Ludmila's side, watching over her in despair, losing hope that she will ever wake, as indicated by the quote from the poem, painted above him, along with the title of the composition in small letters:

Ruslan, engrossed in his old sorrow, Was seated by his slumbering bride.

Behind Ruslan's back there is the golden apparition of Ruslan's spiritual guide, the Finn. In this fairy-tale the Finn helps Ruslan to conquer the evil wizard Chernomor who kidnapped Ludmila. He is the embodiment of "good" forces.
Above the center scene, from out of the stormy darkened sky, the old witch, Naina, claws at the air with her outstretched hand. She has a green complexion, masterfully blended heeding perspective and dimension. In this fairy-tale Naina is the embodiment of "evil" forces. She helped Ruslan's rivals: Rogdai, Ratmir, and Farlaf.
To the right of the composition, we can see Ludmila's father, King Vladimir, brooding in his palace. The king has a wise and kind face, sunken in despair. (his daughter has disappeared) Shirokov does a beautiful job of subtly reflecting the mood in his features. The king is clothed in gold embroidered robes, highlighted and shadowed with precise complimentary strokes. In the background, the domes and cupolas of his kingdom tower impressively over the land.
To the left of the composition, we can see one of Ruslan's rivals riding his steed and intending to kill Ruslan. In the top corners of this composition are the Moon and the Sun, the embodiments of "evil" and "kind" forces. (if you look at the composition you'll notice that all bad characters are depicted from the left, whereas all good characters are depicted from the right.
Each of the box's sides features a separate additional miniature. The front side displays Ruslan and Ludmila riding Ruslan's steed. The right side shows the Giant Head and black owls hovering around it. The left side features Chernomor kidnapping Ludmila. The rear side depicts the battle of Ruslan and Chernomor.
The edges of the lid and the box's sides are adorned with the fantastically beautiful decoration done with gold paint that is filled in with tempera paints making the design look like vine with flowering plants.
The box is made of high-quality paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while red lacquer completes the interior of the box. The lid is hinged from the top of the composition, and the box rests on four legs. The work is signed, and titled by the artist.