Show all images on one page	#003150 Title: Russian Troops coming in to Moscow after the Battle at Paltava Artist: Strunin Mikhail Size: 24x18x5.5 Size (inches): 9x7.5x2.25 Price : $795 SOLD!

This gorgeous box has been painted by Mikhail Strunin. Painted on the historical theme, it shows the Russian Army entering Moscow after gaining the glorious victory in the Poltavskaya battle (1709) over the Swedes. The main focus is centered on the figure of the tsar Peter the Great under the command of whom the Swedes were defeated. To the right of Peter the Great the artist has painted the noblemen who show the tsar the paper where the numerical strength of the Russian army is listed including marshals, generals, officers and soldiers. At the background Strunin depicts the Russian troops passing through the Triumphal arch and entering Moscow, while at the far background the Moscow Kremlin is depicted.
The box is painted in the traditional for Mstera School palette. The steeds' mane and tails are detailed with gold paint as well as the costumes of some characters. Gold is also used to decorate the box's exterior with intricate floral ornaments painted with an ultra-thin brush. On each of the box's sides the artist has painted the additional scene using tempera paints. The front side shows the first boat of Peter the Great on board of which the young tsar trained himself preparing to the role of the future commander of the Russian fleet. In 1722 when Russia became a strong sea power, the boat was brought to St.-Petersburg and placed in front of the Peter and Paul Cathedral. In 1761, the Boat House was built to the design of Alexander Wist. It still stands there but the relic is exhibited in the Central Naval Museum. On the left side Strunin has drawn the angel that protects Russia, and helps to gain victories over an enemy. On the right side of the box we can see St. George who is the patron of the Russian army. The rear side features vessels of the Russian fleet founded by Peter the Great.
The box is made out of paper-mache. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box. The lid is hinged at the top, and the box rests on four legs. The work is signed with the name of the artist, the village of Mstera, and the title ("The Russian Troops entering Moscow after gaining the victory in the Poltavskaya battle on 21st of December, 1709").