Tempera on canvas. 2000. 70 х 85 cm

An ancient Russian legend tells about the town which was rescued magically. When Batiy’s army was approaching the town, it became invisible, and went down to the bottom of the lake. Later the legend circulated among Old Believerss. They believed that only righteous people used to live in Kitezh and evildoers were not let inside.
Kitezh was considered to be an ideal utopian society where pursued Old Believers could find asylum. The town was ruled by Saint Wisemen, thus the legend coincides with the legends about Belovodye and Shambala.