Alexander Pushkin is a great Russian poet and novelist, the creator of modern literary Russian. A genius of poetry, he embodied Russian national consciousness and became the pride of his country. Pushkin`s books are printed in millions of copies; his works have been translated into all major languages.
An important part of Pushkin`s literary heritage is his fairy tales, which are based on Russian folklore.
Pushkin`s tales have always been a favourite subject matter for the painting school of Palekh, a famous old centre of icon-painting and lacquer miniature.
The fantastically beautiful miniatures by the Palekh masters adorn jewellery boxes, plaques, powder cases and other artefacts made of papier-mache. They enchant the viewer as a precious amalgam of shining vibrant colours on an enigmatic black background, lit up by the sparkles of lacework golden ornament.