Shadow of Leonardo, Silk and Gold Threads Tapestry, Museum Level Artwork
Michael Verkholantsev Collaboration
Silk, Gold Threads
93 x 97 x 3 cm
A dominant, high-value masterpiece of contemporary wall art that bridges 2,500 years of history with avant-garde couture techniques. This remarkable work is an exclusive collaboration with Academician Michael Verkholantsev, an acclaimed master of Mannerist imagery whose works are held in the world’s most prestigious permanent collections.
THE ARTIST: Institutional Prestige
Michael Verkholantsev is an internationally acclaimed academician whose works define modern Mannerism. His presence in the global art canon is solidified by his inclusion in the permanent collections of the world’s most elite museums:
The State Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg)
The Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam)
The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts (Moscow)
The State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow)
The Ateneum Museum (Helsinki)
Major Institutions in London, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Munich, Bratislava, and Brussels.
The Artistry: A Surrealist Dialogue with Genius
The composition is centered around Leonardo’s iconic self-portrait, emerging like a "shadow from the past" out of a smoky, ethereal space. Verkholantsev places the Great Master amidst surrealistic structures, weaving secret signs and fanciful ornaments into the threads—much like Leonardo concealed mysteries within his own paintings. This piece invites the modern collector to unravel a new, contemporary meaning hidden within an ancient image.
The Craftsmanship: Volumetric Silk & Gold Threads
"Shadow of Leonardo" is a testament to extraordinary technical skill, utilizing materials that resonate with the highest level of luxury:
Couture Hand Embroidery of Museum Level: Executed in fine silk and shimmering metallic silver threads, the tapestry utilizes complex volumetric stitching. This creates a multi-dimensional, dreamlike atmosphere where the "smoke" appears to shift as the viewer moves.
The Ancient 2,000-Year-Old Lacquer Technique: The artwork is housed in a frame of unparalleled depth. Utilizing a nearly forgotten Chinese lacquer technique, twenty layers of natural resin are applied to ebony wood. The result is a mirror-like, "liquid glass" finish that transforms the frame into a mystical portal.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE COLLECTOR
Status: Unique Masterpiece / Available Now
Collaboration: Academician Michael Verkholantsev & Alexander's Collection
Technique: Volumetric Hand Embroidery, Ancient Chinese Lacquer
Materials: Fine Silk, Metallic Silver Threads, Ebony Wood, Natural Resin
Aesthetic: Renaissance Mystery, Surrealism, Contemporary Luxury
Global Museum Representation
The artist’s works are archived across the following international institutions:
Regions & Featured Museums
Western Europe: Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam), Ateneum (Helsinki), London, Vienna, Munich, Berlin, Bonn.
France & Benelux: Strasbourg, Metz, Antwerp, Sint-Niklaas, Halle.
Central Europe: Prague, Bratislava, Tallinn, Tartu, Wels.
Russia: State Hermitage, Petrodvorets, Pushkin Museum, Nesterov Gallery, and regional Fine Arts Museums (Vologda, Tula, Perm, etc.).
DESIGNER'S NOTES
"Shadow of Leonardo" transforms an antique image into a potent symbol of modern intellectualism. It is a dominant, sophisticated piece designed for the most refined interiors—ideally suited for a private library, a grand study, or a focal point in a high-end gallery. It serves as both a profound conversation starter and a significant investment in contemporary textile art.