The Russian story book Pl.16
1916
Frank Cheyne Papé brings Russian folklore to life in this 1916 illustration, depicting a tiny toddler standing on a cradle to ask the tsar—her 'Little Father'—for a wedding blessing. The bearded king, clad in richly patterned robes and a golden crown, gestures in surprise at the small figure holding a rattle, while two women in the background lean in to whisper about the absurdity of a child bride. The intricate details of the costumes and the wooden architecture showcase Papé's skill in blending Art Nouveau elegance with traditional folk art aesthetics.
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