The popularity of painting Ukrainian motifs started to grow with the popularity of Russian author Nikolai Gogol. Many of his works have been brought to life in Russian miniature, including the highly successful "Evenings Near the Village of Dikanka"--a collection of tales based on Ukrainian folklore published in 1832. This scene comes out of the first series of these stories. In the story "The Night Before Christmas," the main character is Vakula, who is a messenger of sorts between the world of good and evil. Vakula is the man on the devil's back and they are on their way to Catherine II's court. The priest is knocking at the door of Chub and Solokha.
Egg-tempera paint is the primary medium used to paint this composition. There are two distinct palettes working together in the scene. Outside the colors are cools with bluish tones that work around white and gray colors. On the inside of the house warmer colors are found making a good contrast between both environments. Swirling white paints depicting the winds power and the puffed clouds in the sky gives the scene good internal action that provides the eye with a lively dynamic. Gold paint is used in the buildings in the background and to detail other portions of the scene.
Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior and red lacquer is used to paint the interior of the piece. Two gold scroll patterns accented with aluminum beads adorn the box, one of which frames the scene and the other that wraps around the sides of the box. The box has a hinge to its left and rests on a flat bottom. Upon completing the work on this piece the artist writes the title, Kholuy, and signs her name at the bottom of the scene.
Material: paper-mache, black and red lacquer, egg-tempera paint, gold paint, aluminum paint.
Item Specifications:
- Title: "Christmas Eve 2001"
- Weight: 2.7 oz 76 g
- Price: $245.00
- Status: SOLD
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