Product Description
Icons (Иконы). This nesting doll exemplifies changes that were occuring under the Mikhail Gorbachev regime, which emphasized glasnost' and perestroika (openess and reform). Icons held by the nuns include the angel from the Trinity, John the Baptist, Christ, a Bible passage ("Lord have mercy..."), a bible, and a prayerful nun. Early icon doll from 1989 - roughly two years before the collapse of the Soviet Union. Signed by the artist (a bold move at the time). Light wear, otherwise about fine. An unusual collectible doll. 7 nest, 6½" down to 1". 1 only.
Note: The original owner of this doll has indicated that when he purchased it while in Russia, the last piece opened up, but was empty. While plausible that the last piece was lost, it's also possible that the blank dolls on which the artist painted, and which were in short supply due to the disintegration of state subsidies, had the artist using what was available to her. Also, early dolls from 1987-1989 are uncommon.
