Fedoskino Village Box

Painted and dated in 2000, this miniature masterpiece in oils depicts a village scene from the Russian countryside around Fedoskino, where the artist lives and works.  On the one hand, you might take it as a typical winter scene.  My personal interpretation is this is a scene from Snegurochka, The Snow Maiden Fairy Tale.  See how the central figure, the girl in blue, is illuminated as if from within with the use of metallic foils?  This is the snow maiden, just come to life to the delight of the mother and father greeting her.  And the other village children are mesmerized.  This box measures 4.5" x 4.5" x 2" , is numbered, dated, signed by the artist, and bear the Fedoskino logo stamped inside the hinged lid.  And it is on sale due to a slight but significant defect, a small paint chip.  You can see this flaw on the top edge of the box, just above the snow-bedecked house.  Fortunately, this chip is away from the lovely detail of the painted scene.  Don't let it hinder you from enjoying the magic of Fedoskino!