The realm of possibility can be quite thick for a Tsar riddled with greed. Tsar Dadon went through his days pedestal high. He felt as an untouchable should--untouchable. He did not consider theories on life's gravity. Lies work, but they are eventually found out. If you keep walking towards the edge of a cliff, sooner or later you are going to fall off. With the greedy, there seems to be great success for a time. For Tsar Dadon, the ride was something magnificent. As elegantly drawn out as the triumphant carriage ride home, with the Queen of Shemakha at his side. And then, an ending. All it took was for one deal to be broken, and Tsar Dadon became the fuel for his own demise. He had come to the edge of the cliff.
Natalya Kornilova has etched out for herself a special niche in Palekh miniature art. Her compositions are easily recognizable for their broad color spectrum, precise but soothing lines, and exceptional gold highlighting. Her original compositions draw the viewer into her world of fairytale, legend, and adventure.
On this medium-sized box, Kornilova has chosen to depict the conclusion of the Pushkin classic "The Tale of the Golden Cockerel." Pushkin based this tale on Washington Irving's poem, "The Legend of the Arabian Astrologer." To the left of the composition we have the three primary characters of the moment. A crowned Tsar Dadon offers a false hand of friendship to the Astrologer dressed in the gorgeous lavender and navy blue robe. The astrologer had given the Golden Cockerel to Tsar Dadon as the ideal security system for his kingdom. The Astrologer was permitted to claim anything of his choosing as reward. Here, he demands the hand of the Queen of Shemakha who rises out of her carriage seat in surprise. She is surprised because with his right hand, Tsar Dadon has begun to raise his scepter with which he'll kill the helpless seer. High in the sky sits the end of Tsar Dadon's greedy ways. The Golden Cockerel itself! Deals weren't made to be broken...
Egg-tempera paint is the primary medium used to compose this beautiful scene. Kornilova uses a celebration of color to enhance it to superior degrees. Everything is smoothly applied. The colors glide upon the surface of the box. A variety of oranges, greens and soothing blues dictate the fairy-tale feel of the composition. It is interesting how the villagers appear to mind their own business while the Tsar enters their surroundings. They are a product of his legendary intimidation. Even the swans are keeping to themselves!
The box is constructed from paper-mache made in the village of Palekh. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while red lacquer completes the interior. The box is framed by a tightly wound and precise gold scroll design, which nicely matches the regality of Dadon's kingdom. Around the sides of the box, Kornilova did not hold back her decorative abilities. She first painted a band of beautiful golden vines with highly detailed silver flowers, some large and some small. The bottom beveled edge of the box is adorned with a straight line of gold beads. The box sits on four carved feet, and the lid is hinged from the top of the composition. Kornilova has signed and dated this work of art.
About Artist Kornilova, Nataliya Valeryevna:
Nataliya Valerievna Kornilova was born in 1968 in the town of Korkino in Chelyabinsk region, now she lives in the village of Krasnoe in Palekh region (Ivanovo region).
Nataliya graduated from the Palekh Art School in 1989, where she studied under A.V. Gordeev, A.S. Peskov, T.I. Belousova, and N.M. Smirnov.
Kornilova creates miniatures, using tempera technique of art. The artist prefers natural paints. Themes of Nataliya's art pieces are various and sometimes even extraordinary, it is important for the master they must make an impression upon her. The most essential aspects of her creations are their general mood and accomplishment. Work on a miniature is complete for the autho
...
read about Kornilova, Nataliya Valeryevna
|
Item Specifications:
- Title: "The Tale of the Golden Cockerel 2003"
- Weight: 14.9 oz 421 g
- Price: $1050.00
- This specific item is available as a single work.
We do not expect to carry this item in the foreseeable future!
- Request more information?
|
Related Stories, Legends & Readings:
|
|
