The ancient legend "Stavr Godinovich" is one of the most original legends of Russian folklore. The main character of this legend is the young woman Vasilisa Mikulichna who dared to argue with Prince Vladimir who was the ruler of Kiev, the center of Ancient Russia. Vasilisa comes to Kiev to save her husband Stavr Godinovich who was taken prisoner by Prince Vladimir. She managed to deceive Vladimir by dressing up as Bogatyr warrior and conquer two bogatyrs: Alyosha Popovich and Dobrynya Nikitich.
Some researchers suppose that this legend is connected with some historical events that really took place in ancient Kiev. According to the Novgorod chronicle in 1118 Vladimir Monomakh (the ruler of ancient Russia) was angry with Stavr Godinovich and several Novgorodian bogatyrs and imprisoned them. In 1960 on the wall of the Sofiysky Cathedral situated in Kiev was discovered the signature of Stavr Godinovich.
The legend "Stavr Godinovich" was written in different versions. People liked this legend owing to its detective and fascinating plot. This version of the legend was told by the famous Altai narrator of folk tales Leontiy Tupitsyn.
Piotr Sosin depicts the scene where Vasilisa, dressed up as a knight arrives at the court during a magnificent feast. She proudly wears her helmet and chain mill when she is introduced to the Prince. Her husband Stavr is depicted in the lower left corner of the composition, playing a guslin in jail. Little does Prince Vladimir know the young bogatyr is really the wife of imprisoned Stavr Godinovich on a quest to get him out.
The main medium used to paint this lacquer box is egg tempera. Gold paint and gold leaf is used to highlight the details of the picture. The artist also uses silver paint in the filigree ornamentation designs and in the main scene as well.
The box is constructed from high grade papier mache in the village of Mstera. The box has no hinge and has a flat bottom.
Materials: papier mache, egg tempera, gold paint, gold leaf, aluminum paint, lacquer.
About Artist Sosin, Piotr Ilyich:
This cherished and well known artist was born and raised in Mstera, and currently resides there to this day. After graduating from the Mstera Art School in 1955, Sosin began his career at the "Proletarian Art" Factory (1958-1959). He has participated in major exhibits since 1968, and became a member of Union of Artists of USSR in 1974.
Sosin built a well established career as a Mstera lacquer box artist that has won him many state awards and honors, as well as a place on the wall of leading artists in the office of the Leading Artist at the Mstera Factory. In addition, Sosin's name is mentioned in almost every art book on Mstera. Among Sosin's most honored works is a series of lacquer b
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read about Sosin, Piotr Ilyich
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Item Specifications:
- Title: "Vasilisa Mikulichna 2003"
- Weight: 8.7 oz 247 g
- Price: $550.00
- Status: SOLD
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