Fedoskino artist Galina Sverlova offers an enticing piece of history, depicted through guidelines based in elegance and imagination. Character and presence fill the tones applied. This is an excellent example of her ability. An establishing piece.

The artist has chosen to depict the imagery associated with St. Catherine of Alexandria.

Oil-based paint is the primary medium used to compose the gorgeous portrait before you. Sverlova has a knack for creating extremely life-like facial expressions and highly detailed clothing that appears direct off the rack of reality and fantasy. This piece holds the character and the era depicted in the highest standing. A profound, medieval feel is brought to life through Sverlova’s angelic color schematics. There is a definite flow among the colors with each complimenting the next. The background is like a halo for the entire composition.

The box is constructed from paper-mache made in the village of Fedoskino. The artist adds a great deal of texture and design through her own creative methods. This is primarily noticeable in the clothing of St. Catherine. There are five separate designs, all reflective of the time period, which blossom throughout the attire. The red and blue-green tones awaken these designs tenfold. The higher you get into the scene, relatively speaking, the brighter it becomes until you reach a soothing blue sky. This symbolizes the harsh realities on Earth and the heavenly illumination that exists as well.

All of the symbols associated with St. Catherine have also been depicted on this piece by Sverlova. On the wall behind her we see a book and a crown. This symbolizes her advanced knowledge and teaching ability along with her noble upbringing. The palm, a token of victory, rests on top of the book. The sword which she holds signifies the instrument to her martyrdom, while the broken spiked wheel is a lasting symbol of the wheel that emperor Maxentius had her bound upon. The ring on her finger may signify her mythical marriage to Jesus Christ. St. Catherine is dressed in lavish, Renaissance costume and the architecture is Italian, completed in Renaissance perspective. Her facial expression is also reminiscent of many works by master inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci.

Black lacquer is used to paint the exterior of the piece while a deep red lacquer completes the interior of the piece. A thin band of gold frames the lid’s composition. The hinge is fastened to the left of the composition. Two parallel bands of gold run around all four sides of the base. Upon completion of the piece the artist writes their name, the village name of Fedoskino and the year of 2000 of which the piece was finished along the bottom of the composition.

The photos do not capture the brilliant colors or astounding detail of this box...you will be amazed at the quality!!!!!!

Materials: Oil-based paint, paper-mache, gold paint and lacquer.

“St Catherine of Alexandria (2000)” Fedoskino 5 ¼ x 7 x 1 ¼ inches, 13.50 x 18.40 x 3.50 cm

Artist:

Sverlova, Galina Anatolievna