Details
- Technique
- Painting or work of art
- Dimensions
- 70 x 57 cm
- Period
- 20th century
Main view
Lot 34
Ukrainian folk painting
Cossack Mamai
The Cossack Mamaj. Plywood, oil. 70 x 57 cm. 20th century.
The Cossack Mamaj is one of the most celebrated symbols of the Ukrainian Cossack tradition and a true phenomenon of folk art, reproduced by anonymous masters for almost three centuries. At the centre of the composition, the legendary Cossack is shown seated cross-legged and playing the kobza, dressed in a traditional zhupan, wide Cossack trousers, and leather boots, with the characteristic oseledets forelock and the ever-present pipe.
Each element has a precise symbolic meaning: the kobza represents the soul of the Ukrainian people; the horse, fidelity and companionship in arms; and the oak, strength and perseverance, while the sabre, weapons, spear with banner, and bottle of horilka evoke the military life of the Cossacks and the transience of existence.
Condition
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Provenance and documentation are available on request before participation.
Settlement
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