The deal between two can have an effect on the many. The deal itself is but mere words, an idea accepted by two or more. Deals are never simple. Agendas are hidden, motives can be concealed and interference waits heavy like a thick cloud ready to burst at any second. Here, the thunder clap has been heard...
This is a handcrafted beauty by established Palekh painter Alexey Zhiryakov. The scene exudes his professionalism and the coloration invites the eye for permanent residence through appreciation.
Egg-tempera paint is the primary medium used to compose this combination of moments from the complicated drama entitled, "The Tale of the Golden Cockerel." Tsar Dadon and his greed-drenched ways are the focal point of each scene. To the far left, we see the ruler sending his army to strike and strike first. The early warning of the Golden Cockerel, granted by the Astrologer, has allowed the Tsar to find out ahead of time if his borders were being crossed by attacking forces. To the far right, Tsar Dadon meets the entrancing Queen of Shemakha moments after realizing that his sons have been killed in battle. He will take her as his prize, consolation for the grief he feels. In the center of the composition, the deal with the Astrologer comes full circle. The Astrologer agreed to give the Golden Cockerel to the Tsar in exchange for an item of his choosing somewhere down the line. Here, that line runs out of room to grow. The Astrologer asks for the hand of the Queen as his payment! This angers Tsar Dadon to the point of murder! Unfortunately for the Tsar, this is the last violent act that he'll ever witness with his own two eyes...
The box is constructed from paper-mache made in the village of Palekh. Black lacquer, which is a feature as well as a coating, is used to paint the exterior of the piece. This black lacquer acts as the background for the scene. The palette still appears wet to the touch. That is how much clarity the artist is willing to offer. The architectural structures appear chiseled and precise. The foliage sparkles like freshly polished jewels. And the color coordination is handsome as well as elegant. The interior of the box is completed with a bright red-orange that would even intensify any contents within. The lid has been hinged above the composition for ease of opening.
Golden paint and sparkling aluminum paint work as a tandem of brilliance here. The colors contour and decorate. The lid's composition has been framed with flawless filigree painted gold, which interacts with the golden contours within the scene. The base side decoration is made up of large golden filigree bouquets that expand into diagonal designs comprised of both golden beads and aluminum lines. Aluminum filigree accents contribute to the lower half of each pattern. These decorative features look a lot like the swinging gates of entry to many an ancient palace.
The golden and aluminum contours cast a spell over the composition. Each building, outfit and piece of foliage is highlighted in some way. It takes the utmost precision to craft the type of armor worn by the soldiers. Each armor plate appears as a layered individual, separate pieces to a lavish puzzle. The carriage that the Queen and the Tsar ride in is really something special. There is flow in the curves of the carriage that appears constructed rather than painted or sketched. This is a great indication of just how talented the artist is.
The tent of the Queen, to the far right, is pure beauty. The silvery filigree patterns look like they are attached to the material that flutters in the presence of the Tsar. This creamy, powder blue has been shaded with a dirty apricot-white to grant a taste of transparency to the tent. This is a highly creative move by the artist. Here, we can also see the beg and plead in the Tsar's tired eyes.
Multiple shapes and an exceptional variety of color make this piece stand out from across the room. The iconographic method of painting, creating more than one element of time and space that coexist on the same surface, appears neat and very well organized. Whether it is the marble coloration of the light blue tower to the far left, or the silky smooth elegance of the horses, this composition has features within features that will be enjoyed for years to come. Upon completion of the piece the artist signs their name, the village name of Palekh and the title along the bottom of the composition in gold paint.
Materials: Egg-tempera paint, paper-mache, gold paint, aluminum paint and lacquer.
About Artist Zhiryakov, Alexey Yevgenievich:
Zhiryakov Alexey Yevgenievich was born 1974 in the village of Palekh, Ivanovo region, where he currently resides now. In 1996 he graduated from the Palekh Art School, where he studied under talented Palekh masters Buldakov and Peskov. At present Alexey Yevgenievich works at the Union of Palekh artists. His artworks are held in private collections all over the world. The artist works in the traditions of Palekh School, using tempera paints. The subjects of his pieces are various. Alexey Yevgenievich thinks the most important stage in work is creation of characters' colorful image. Starting a new composition, he intents to express a theme and create beautiful color combinations. The choi
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Item Specifications:
- Title: "The Tale of the Golden Cockerel 2003"
- Weight: 14.8 oz 419 g
- Price: $850.00
- 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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