This masterpiece was exhibited in Moscow exhibition devoted to 75th anniversary of Palekh Lacquer Miniature Art in 1999 and then published in a well known L.Pirogova (All Russian Museum of Decorative, Applied & Folk Art, Moscow) "Palekh Lacquer Miniature" book by Interbook-Business, 2001 - catalogue # 31, page 39.

Andrei Arapov being one of the 5 top painters in modern Palekh reflects the main idea in the happening event. His "Boris Godunov" has something in common with Golikov artwork with the same theme painted in 1934. But as L.Pirogova mentioned, the high value of that piece and of Arapov's art works in general is in the keeping of the priceless treasure of Palekh traditions not in the conservative academic view. Each time he found new fresh devices, fulfilling eternal themes with artistic power and beauty, reflecting ethic and esthetical people ideals. Andrei shows two levels of composition in his work putting them nearly one against another- authority with its indifference (just look at the central figure of Godunov) and the people with weak entreaty, staying on the edge of chasm. Boris Godunov being the image of his era, as a historical figure, is all the time very actual for Russia. Energy of mutiny and the traditional folklore are two main sources of the inspiration of the painter in that piece with superb technically painted merits.

Requested and bought by an American collector.