This piece measures 7 7/8" x 8" (box top) and the frame measures 12" x 12 1/4".

This piece is not signed by the artist, however an attribution to one of Lukutin's best painters, Dmitry Krylov (1858-1919), is all but certain. Krylov was born in Fedoskino and his accomplishments as a lacquer painter for Lukutin earned him the title of "Honorary Citizen of Russia". The firm of N. Lukutin (1888-1904) was the last in a series of Lukutin family workshops, and it appears that there may have been some arrangement between them and Faberge as there are a number of silver-mounted lacquer pieces by Lukutin in museums and collections.

This painting is large and of the highest artistic and technical quality. The painting was done in oils, with compact detailed brushwork and fine "transparent" strokes. Gold leaf and metallic powders that show through the translucent coat of paint are used overall, with the exception of the young man and woman's faces and hands which are painted in a smooth realistic and classical manner. Similar large paintings on boxes and panels by Dmitry Krylov can be seen in books and collections.

This piece is in excellent condition. The front surface of the painting shows a fine crazing of the lacquer, as is usual. There are no restorations, touch-ups, or in-painting. From the back, and when taken out of the frame, the areas where there were hinges and a latch are visible, but not from the front. The gold-leaf frame is also in good condition, with slight wear to the gold and no breaks or losses.

The price of this piece includes insured shipping by USPS Priority, within the continental United States!