In Russia the troika is a very important national theme representing freedom and good nature. During the long winter months taking a troika ride for fun is a common practice, and yes even today in more rural areas of the country. Some people would use troikas as modes of long distance transportation and troika stations were built on all of the main roads between all the major cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, and so on. Forever will the troika stay ingrained in Russian culture as a result of Nikolay Gogol's famous excerpt from Dead Souls, when he chronicles the freedom and exhilaration one might feel on a troika ride.
The focus of this composition is on the fierce racing steeds. They pull violently at their harnesses, rearing up on their hind legs and thrusting their heads in the air. The trio moves separately, but together as one. Surikova paints them with fluid, swirling lines, like ocean waves crashing against a shore. Their manes whip in the wind, like licks of fire, their eyes keen and unpredictable, each muscle gracefully sculpted. The sleigh driver is of one essence with the horses, painted with wild eyes, flowing beard, and fur lined coat. His stance is wild, dominating the wild beasts. The folds of his coat drape naturally over his body, reflecting his motion and the gusting wind.
Egg-tempera paint is the main medium used to paint this composition. The background is a dark blue, which gives away the night setting of the landscape. Bright oranges, yellows, and whites make up the troika and elements of the foreground. All of the movement is precisely managed with fluid brushwork and meticulously rendered details. Gold paint finds itself in the composition to outline and detail the sled, the driver's whip, and the snow on the trees in the background. All in all this composition moves in a water like motion that captures the essence of a troika ride through the winter night.
The box is made out of paper-mache made in Mstera. Black lacquer covers the exterior and red lacquer covers the interior of the box; clear lacquer is added in layers that are polished to a gleaming finish. Floral ornamentation painted with tempera paints frames the scene on the lid and wraps around the sides of the box. The box has a hinge above the composition and rests on a flat bottom. Upon completing the work on this piece the artist writes Mstera, the title, and signs her name at the bottom of the work.
Materials; paper-mache, egg-tempera paint, gold, and lacquer.
Item Specifications:
- Title: "Troika 2002"
- Weight: 8.7 oz 248 g
- Price: $550.00
- This specific item is available as a single work.
We do not expect to carry this item in the foreseeable future!
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