Show all images on one page	#002577 Title: Revelation Artist: Gaun Alexander Size: 24.5x19x4.5 Size (inches): 9.5x7.5x1.75 Price : $850 SOLD!

This magnificent box is a creation of Alexander Gaun from the village of Mstera. He has already created a series of works based on various biblical subjects such as "Flood", "Exodus", "Gogotha", "Judas Treachery", and this piece continues this list of religious themes. It shows an episode from the Book of Revelation, described in chapter 12, lines 7-9. It tells about the war in heaven, when Archangel Michael and his angels battled against the Dragon. The Dragon that symbolizes the power of evil tried to devour the Blessed Virgin's child, but was conquered by Archangel Michael, and was thrown down to earth. In the left and right corners of the composition the artist has written 7-9 lines from chapter 12:

"Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it."

In the upper part of the composition the Blessed Virgin with her child is depicted; here the artist describes the very beginning of chapter 12:

"A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth."

The coloring of the composition is typical for Gaun's painting style. It is based on harmonious combinations of three main colors: brown, red and orange. Gold metal leaf is used to create halos and mails of the angels.
The composition is framed with a gold line while the box's sides are decorated with beautiful gold floral ornamentation.
The box is constructed out of paper-mache. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box. The lid is hinged from the left of the composition, and the box rests on four rounded legs. The work is signed with the artist's name, the title ("Revelation"), and the village of Mstera at the bottom of the composition.