Description:
Vera Smirnova has used her skills and experience to create this magical representation of fairy-tale. The characters have been dipped into gallons of personality. The setting is alive and full of flare. Add in the decorative elements of the piece and you have one very eclectic assembly of elegance and intricacy.
The box depicts an assembly of characters from the sentimental tale of "Cinderella." The Russian version of the tale is entitled as "Zolushka." The story itself is the ultimate representation of the poor hard working soul, going through personal heart ache and then eventually living happily ever after. Cinderella's fairy Godmother transforms her, with the help of some adorable animal friends, into a gorgeous Princess (this scene is painted in the center of the composition). The handsome Prince falls in love with her as she is the most beautiful girl at the ball arranged in the palace. At midnight Cinderella disappears, and the Prince can find her only with the help of a crystal shoe lost by the girl (this scene is depicted in the upper part of the composition).
The scene is painted in bright red, blue, green and orange tones. The artist's use of golden and aluminum contours is splendid. Gold metal leaf inlay shines through the carriage and through the costume of almost each character painted here. This creates a magic atmosphere.
The box is constructed from papier-mache. Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the box while red lacquer completes the interior. The box's sides are adorned with an elaborate gold leafy pattern. A hinge is fastened to the left of the composition, and the box rests on four legs. The work is signed with the artist's name, Palekh the title and the year of 2009.
