Product Description
The Bogatyrs (Богатыри). Also known as "The Three Bogatyrs", the original painting by Viktor Vasnetsov (1848-1926) is arguably one of Russia's most famous paintings. It is currently housed in the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. Vasnetsov began work on the painting in 1881, and completed it 1898. It depicts several mythical Russian medieval knights, including Ilya Muromets (Илья Муромец) in the center, Alyosha Popovich (Алеша Попович), and Dobrynya Nikitich (Добрыня Никитич). These legendary, but fictional, heroic men are based on historical figures from the era of Kievan Rus (882-1240) who were cast into impossible roles in folk tales and epic narrative poems known as bylinas (былины).
This handsome replica was accurately and skillfully painted in Russia about 30-35 years ago by acclaimed artist Igor V. Shepel. It is mounted into an Italian gold leaf frame. Painting is about 12" x 18", and, in the frame, about 22" x 16". Weight is about 3 pounds. 1 only.