Show all images on one page	#008967 Title: Ruslan and the Head Artist: Semaykin Konstantin Stepanovich (1929-2003) Size: 20.5x12x6 Size (inches): 8x4.75x2.25 Price : $1200 SOLD!

Semaykin Konstantin Stepanovich was born in the village of Novlyanskiy of Vladimir Region on the 15th of October 1929, died in Palekh on the 2nd of May 2003.
He has been stydied in Palekh Art school in 1947-1952. Konstantin has worked as a teacher in the same Palekh Art school in 1969-1989!
Participant of the Exhibitions since 1964. Member of the Union of the Artists since 1972.
The works kept in several Russian Museums in Ivanovo, Moscow, Chelyabinsk and Tatarstan.
Almost perfect condition!
The box depicts a scene from the Pushkin's fairy-tale "Ruslan and Ludmila". In this composition we can see Ruslan on his mighty steed attacking the Head.
Ruslan has defeated the evil dwarf magician Chernomor who kidnapped Lyudmila and wanted to marry her. Giant Head that Ruslan here attacked , has told Ruslan the secret of Chernomor's magic power. All his power was contained in his long beard. Ruslan cut off Chernomor's beard with his shining sword and Chernomor's power was gone.
The palette is quite diverse and the artist uses reds, greens and brown tones to define the characters, painted against traditional Palekh style black background. This contrast also helps to make the central figures stand out.
Gold paint is used to paint the details of the characters' costumes. Motion throughout the composition has been captured within the swerve of the lines and shapes. The entire drawing is very well-drawn!
The painting is framed with gold pattern on the lid. Precise and fine gold ornamentation wraps around the sides of the box.
The box is constructed from paper-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while red lacquer completes the interior of the work.
The box is hinged from the top of the composition and rests on four legs.
The box is signed with the artist's name, the village of Palekh, number of the box and the date of 1956.