Show all images on one page	#004509 Title: For the Faith,Tsar and Motherland! Artist: Molodkin Nikolay Size: 16.5x12.5x12.5 Size (inches): 6.5x5x5 Price : $2495 SOLD!

This work was painted by one of the Molodkins brothers, Nikolay Molodkin. Most of all he likes to paint his boxes on the theme of history. He has created such brilliant works as “Ivan III”, “Borodino”, “War of White and Red Roses”, “Peter's Trip to Holland”, “Prince Vladimir”, “Vikings”, etc. This is one more box painted on the theme of history. The work is called “For Faith, Tsar and Motherland”. It is dedicated to the glorious victory of the Russian army over the army of Napoleon in the war of 1812.
The Russian campaign was the decisive turning-point of the Napoleonic Wars that ultimately led to Napoleon's defeat and exile on the island of Elba. It also marked a huge blow to Napoleon's ambitions of European dominance. For Russia the term Patriotic War formed a symbol for a strengthened national identity that would have great effect on Russian patriotism in the 19th century.
On the box's lid Molodkin has painted Napoleon's army entering burning Moscow. On its front side we can see the Russian army under the command of Tsar Alexander I battling with the French army while on its rear side the artist has painted Napoleon and his army. The left side shows Tsar Alexander I battling with the French at the head of his army, and the right side shows the Russian partisans attacking the French troops in the winter forest.
The work shows the unique painting style of Nikolay Molodkin. Working on it he has used his favorite palette filled with soft blues, browns and yellows. The brushwork is exquisite, which is enhanced by the bright gold detailing the artist adds. This is a very complete work that is an instant treasure for any collection.
The box is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the work while red lacquer completes the interior of the box. The exterior is decorated with intricate gold foliage ornamentation. The lid is hinged, and the box rests upon four legs. The work is signed, titled and dated (2008) by the artist in gold paint at the bottom of the composition drawn on the box's lid.
This casket was exibited during summer 2008 at All-Russia Expo of Folk Art in a town of Vologda under the support of the Union of Russian Artists and some Museums. We attached the photo of this casket from a catalog from this Expo.