Show all images on one page	#001148 Title: Russian epic Tzar Saul Levonidovich Artist: Zakharov Sergey Size: 16x10.5x4 Price : $1195 SOLD!

Sergey Zakharov of Kholuy delivers us visual splendor. The well known, creative genius of the master develops both theme and artistic intent. An incomparable style that is intensely elegant. Beauty that must be seen in order to be realized. The similar piece has been on display in the Kholuy Art Museum. A truly remarkable work that can be enjoyed and cherished for many years to come.
Zakharov depicts a rare ancient Russian legend entitled, "Tsar Saur Levonidovich." The story, originally written by Kirsha Danilovich, tells the story of a powerful Tsar that must leave his home land and wife with child in order to save his kingdom of Alberskoe before it needs to be saved.
Tsar Saul Levonidovich ventured to the Mongolian horde and intended to stay there for twelve years. He knew of what they intended upon his peaceful region of Alberskoe. He told his wife, Elena Alexandrovna, that if she gave birth to a son she should rear him and send him to find him someday; if she gave birth to a daughter she should rear and marry her off, sending the son-in-law to find him. The Tsaritsa gave birth to a son, Konstantin.
Young Konstantin grew up quickly, learning many valuable traits earlier than most his own age. He was reading and writing before countless other children, capable he was of holding his own with an adult in combat at age ten. He heard the tales, regarding his father, in bits and pieces. One day Konstantin asked his mother, "Where is my father, Saul Levonidovich?" Elena Alexandrovna told him the last will of his father. Having heard it, Konstantin decided to go for his father and saddled his steed. Prayers accompanied him along the way. Until, he came to a crossroad. Three roads led to different directions. A legend followed these roads, one that Konstantin was unaware of. If a traveler chose the right road he would die, but his steed would be fed and taken care of. If a traveler chose the left road he would be taken care of but his steed would go hungry and surely perish. If a traveler chose the middle road he will be killed without rhyme or reason. Konstantin chose the middle road.
In strange lands he met tatars who attacked him and a fierce battle had to be survived. Having won the battle the young warrior went to the town of Uglich. The inhabitants of Uglich deceived Konstantin and ensnared him. The legend was taking shape. Konstantin was imprisoned. Meanwhile, Tsar Saul Levonidovich had finally returned home. Tsaritsa Elena Alexandrovna met him and told him the bad news regarding Konstantin. His son had disappeared without a trace. As soon as Saul Levonidovich heard it he set out in search of his son.
Soon, the Tsar found out that his son was taken prisoner by Uglich inhabitants. Then he went to Uglich and demanded that they release his son. Uglich inhabitants were frightened of the menacing Tsar, for anyone brave enough to leave their kingdom for twelve years was not to be fooled with. The Uglich inhabitants involved in Konstantin's imprisoning were executed. Tables were set and a great feast was held. People celebrated the meeting of Tsar Saul Levonidovich and his son Konstantin. Legends are strong powerful things. Nothing is stronger than the love a father has for his son.
Egg-tempera paint is the primary medium used to compose this magical display of talented craftsmanship. An entire forest kingdom is depicted right before your eyes. Dozens of well executed trees, layered upon one another in order to create realistic density in the woods themselves, dominate the majority of the landscape. A hidden valley of majestic influence. A world. Typical of the Kholuy icon traditions of old, the artist composes several moments of time on the same canvas. The various palaces and structures are crafted architectural perfect. Infinite intricacy. The original sketch, a symphony of geometric excitement. You'll be taken back by the complexity and calmed by the simplicity. Museum masterful.
The color scheme is sublime. An exquisite sunset right there in the palm of your hand. Radiant oranges melting across the composition. Diverse in the fact that each piece of the landscape seems to be painted with its own soul. Your eyes have been dazzled before to long, they may require a bit of rest. Vast quantities of green, brown and yellow bounce off each other. A priceless palette.
Zakharov makes such elaborate usage of gold contouring and decoration that one may wonder if the term "master" was intended for him personally? The artist does something rather creative with the golden highlights of the composition. There is excellent separation between natural and man made beauty. Zakharov chooses to only outline and shade the contours of the man made materials. The cupolas of the palaces, the arches and staircase railings, the design work of the characters clothing and tiled floor by which they step. He lightly shades the smaller foliage towards the bottom of the composition, leaving the forest alone to stand on its own. A crown decorates the person wearing it, the person has to act noble on their own.
In the center of the composition we see Konstantin as a young boy being trained by his mother. On the right we notice several years ago, when Tsar Levonidovich and his beautiful wife met for the very first time. On the upper right portion of the scene, Konstantin rides on in the search of his father. And to the left, we see the climax. Father and son reunited at long last.
The box is constructed from quality paper-mache. The ruffled, outermost edges of the box grant the piece ample antique appeal. The exterior of the box is painted with black lacquer while the interior of the piece is finished with lively red lacquer. The decorative elements of the piece are difficult to imagine let alone produce. The lid's artistry is framed with a gorgeous pattern of gold filigree. A shockingly profound design, reminiscent of the design work found on Byzantine architecture, decorates the sides of the box. Hundreds of individual vines extend to the left and right of this massive beauty. The vines twist, dip, turn and bloom into dozens of golden petals and flowers. A shimmering cascade showering the exterior with a heavenly glow. A hinge is fastened to the top of the composition, and the box sits flat. A beautiful inscription is added to the interior of the lid and is adorned in gold filigree fancy. The inscription details the artists name, the title of the work, the village name of Kholuy and the year of 2003. Upon completion of the piece the artist writes their name, the title, the village name of Kholuy and the year of 2003 of which the piece was finished on the bottom of the composition in gold paint.