Show all images on one page	#001844 Title: Dobryniya--the Matchmacker Artist: Fomichov Lev Alexandrovich(b.1932) Size: 30x9.5x6 Size (inches): 12x3.75x2.5 Price : $950 SOLD!

The style and quality of Mstera master Lev Fomichyov is immediately recognizable. Each piece seems an epic work, and the results of his expert hand is felt at first sight. One the most decorated and renowned Mstera miniaturist still painting, Lev Fomichyov has already left a brilliant legacy that can be enjoyed not only in books and museums, but in collections around the world.
One of Fomichyov's favorite themes to paint are historical subjects and bylinas, or Russian folk epics. This piece shows several scenes from the ancient Russian legend "Dobrynya the Matchmaker". Dobrynya Nikitich comes in a long line of heroes that fought for the pride and defense of Russia's lands. One of the things for which Dobrynya is known is his assistance in marriage of Prince Vladimir and Rogneda, the Princess of Polotsk. This legend is based on real historical events.
The paints he uses for his palette are all homemade by Fomichov himself, and reflect strong earth tones. Mustard, olive, brown, ochre, orange, and beige dominate the scene, which is exploding with action. Gold paints are used to detail the scene, especially to create the lustrous chain armor of warriors.
The box is made out of paper-mache from Mstera. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box. Gold ornamentation frames the composition, while another pattern accented with red and blue flowers runs along the sides of the box. The box has a hinge above the composition and rests on four legs. The artist wrote Mstera, 2005, the title, and his name at the bottom of the scene.