Show all images on one page	#004514 Title: Duel Artist: Molodkin Daniil Size: 10x9x3.5 Size (inches): 4x3.5x1.25 Price : $850 SOLD!

This fanciful miniature comes from the imagination of the talented Daniil Molodkin. His father and brothers, Vladimir, Nikolay and Denis, have won world acclaim and are featured in many books on Russian Lacquer Art. As much as artistic talent might run in the family, each has their own distinct look that sets them apart. Daniil holds the distinction of painting themes that come fresh out of his head and show no cultural preference.
The box continues Daniil Molodkin's "grassworld theme", and shows a duel between two dwarfs. Each of them rides a toy horse, and tries to conquer his rival with the help of a sword and a cudgel.
Greens and blues make up a majority of the palette, that is very bold and brightly portrays the action in the scene. The grasses in the background rise and wind to the top of the composition against a yellowish background. Each stem and leaf seems to have its own place in the background, and with the incorporation of the beetles the artist shows how much he had to magnify this scene for us. Gold is used to detail and outline key areas of the composition, which brings out a spark that enhances the surrounding colors.
The box is made out of paper-mache. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box. A gold foliage pattern frames the composition, and this same pattern decorates the sides of the box. The lid is hinged from the top of the composition, and the box rests on four rounded legs. The work is signed with the artist's name, the title ("Duel"), and the village of Mstera.