Show all images on one page	#001006 Title: Ruslan and Ludmila Artist: Populov Yegeniy Size: 24x18x5 Size (inches): 9.5x7x2 Price : $850 SOLD!

This handsome, big-sized work was done by the talented Palekh artist Yevgeniy Populov who's participated in various exhibitions and won many rewards. The box depicts several scenes from the Pushkin's fairy-tale "Ruslan and Ludmila".
The method of combining several scenes helps the artist to tell a complex story in one image. Some of the more tumultuous action from the story were chosen by the artist and it seems that different actions are happening at the same time. This is accomplished through the iconographic method of artistic application, which allows multiple elements of time and space to coexist on the same surface.
. At the top of the composition the artist depicts the evil dwarf magician Chernomor hovering above his palace. The magician has a threatening appearance. He is holding in his arms a bludgeon; his magic beard and bright red cape are beating in the wind. The palace has a suitably fantastic appearance, with graceful spires, elaborate series of towers, and walls, and fine decoration on some of the walls and roofs. It is drawn in shades of green, brown, pink, yellow, blue and light grey, giving it a rich and exotic look. Chernomor's captive Ludmila is standing on a balcony of the palace looking into the distance in the hope of seeing her suiter Ruslan who will save her from captivity.
On the far left of the composition we see Ruslan fighting with Rogdai. The jealous Rogdai thought that only he could save Ludmila and only he was worthy of being her husband. He was mistaken. Having attacked Ruslan, he found his death in the River Dnepr. Here, Ruslan is tossing his rival into the River Dnepr. Grey and dirty pink swirls of clouds accentuated with gold paint symbolize here the tragic moment of the story. On the far right, Ruslan is preparing to do battle with the Giant Head. It isn't easy to defeat the Head. By means of his blowing, the Giant Head can kill anybody, creating a powerful gust of wind. As prove of it, we can see many human bones and skulls scattering around this place. Ruslan will manage to win over the Head and find a shining sword underneath his foe. The conquered Head will tell Ruslan that his beloved bride is in captivity of the evil wizard Chernomor and also clue the secret of Chernomor's magic power. All his power was contained in his long beard. Ruslan will have to cut off Chernomor's beard with the shining sword and his power will be gone as well. The slumbering Giant Head here exudes a stealth energy because of the chosen dark olive and grey colors. In the center of the composition can see the main hero of the tale, Ruslan, a bold figure on a proud warhorse. Ruslan is blowing his horn, warning Chernomor of the close attack. He is going to enter the gates of Chernomor's palace, win a victory over the wicked magician and save his beloved Ludmila.
The artist fills the scene with lots of action and detail. Ruslan's horse is standing still, but its heavy body and the outline of its muscles suggest that it is powerful in motion. The water receives its motion by means of the well-tuned aluminum contours that dazzle the turbulent surface. Used in a similar way, wavy gold and aluminum contours build texture in the hairs of the beards painted upon Chernomor and the Giant Head as well as in the horse's mane. Fine execution is needed to produce the jeweled beauty contoured into the numerous leaves throughout the scene. The most intricate work with the gold and aluminum can be found within the armor of Ruslan and within the helmet worn by the Giant Head. The generous amount of gold and silver paint through the rest of the piece adds to this work's attraction, and gives it a very intricate look.
The box is made of high-quality paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while red lacquer completes the interior of the box. The lid is hinged from the top of the composition. The edges of the lid are adorned with nice gold beading. The sides of the box are patterned with large blooms of flowered golden filigree. Each blossom develops into curling vines that have been accentuated with aluminum flower petals. The box rests on four carved feet. The box is signed with the artist's name, village, title and year (2003).