Snowmaiden

This box shows several scenes from the Russian tale of "The Snowmaiden" or "Snegurochka" (in Russian).The tale was also adapted into an opera by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
In this composition the main focus falls upon the Snowmaiden. She is about to melt away forever, and Mizgir at her left side cannot bear that he is about to lose his true love. The people of Tsar Berendey's kingdom observe this tragic moment that takes place at the height of the feast arranged in honor of their god Yarilo (the Sun). We can see this Sun-god Yarilo throwing his merciless rays upon the Snowmaiden. In the beginning of the tale Yarilo declares the Snowmaiden's parents that the girl will be safe only if she doesn't fall in love; otherwise she will die. But the Snowmaiden is very beautiful, and it is inevitable that in the end she feels the warmth in her heart and falls in love.
The people of Tsar Berendey's kingdom singing and dancing in a ring to the accompaniment of Lel's music; the old couple who sheltered Snowmaiden and the interior of their house, Tsar Berendey who is going to punish the Snowmaiden for enticing Mizgir away from jealous Coupava. The people of Tsar Berendey's kingdom celebrating the feast arranged in honor of Yarilo.
In the center of the composition we can see Snowmaiden melting and disapeared in the skies. On the right side we can see Lel playing on the flute.In the left upper corner- Tsar Berendey and the people of his Kingdom...
The colors taken from Zakharov's palette are extremely pleasing to the eye. Various shades of yellow, green and red are dominate here. Contrast is spectacular!Details are amazing!!!
The composition is painted on a lid, the edges of the lid are covered with a beautiful ornament painted in gold. The decoration of the sides is marvelous, richly painted in gold!
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 lid is hinged from the top and the box rests on four legs.
The artist wrote his name, 2020, the title and the village name of Kholui at the bottom of the composition in gold paint. The artist does the same on the interior of the lid, but added that this work is his own original creation, honored artist of Russia and left a more decorative signature.