Untitled

A daughter was born to Spring and Frost. They called her Snegurochka (“sneg” means “snow” in Russian). She resembled her father Frost and her beauty was often compared to that of a sunny winter day. Snegurochka’s life was carefree and happy in Frost’s woodland. One year, when winter was coming to its end, Snegurochka’s parents let her join the young people in the village, warning her to beware of Lel and his songs. She met an old childless couple and settled in the village with them. She attracted everybody’s attention, but was unable to return love. Eventually, she understood this, became sad and called for her mother’s help. Mother Spring was well aware of women’s sorrows and presented her daughter with a wreath of blooming flowers. At once Snegurochka began to see everything about her through different eyes. She felt that she was able to love. When her glance met that of a young man who had previously been seeking her attention with no success, her heart caught fire and she... melted. This exquisitely painted box depicts the scene when Mother-spring talks to Snegurochka, with Lel in the background.