Oil painting "Mavka" is for sale and is available for purchase online at the artist's studio

The Story Behind the Painting

“Mavka” is an original painting by Ukrainian artist Marina Stognieva, created in Kyiv in 2021. This large canvas, measuring 100 × 120 cm, is inspired by Ukrainian mythology and the mysterious figure of Mavka — a spirit connected with the forest, nature and the supernatural world.

In Ukrainian folklore, mavkas are often imagined as beautiful young women associated with forests, water and wild nature. Their image is both enchanting and dangerous: according to legends, they could charm people, lure them deep into the woods and lead them into a world where ordinary human rules no longer apply.

In this painting, Mavka appears among dark water, water lilies and fish. Her figure seems to emerge directly from the lake, while the boundary between the body, the water and the surrounding nature almost disappears. Rich green, turquoise and blue tones create a sense of depth and an enchanted space, while the pale figure of the girl becomes the centre of the composition.

Interior visualisation of the painting “Mavka”.

The image of Mavka is not a literal retelling of one particular legend. The artist creates her own vision of the mythical heroine — beautiful, distant and almost unreal. Her gaze is directed straight at the viewer, as though she has already noticed our presence in her world.

Marina Stognieva often turns to Ukrainian culture, folklore and mythological imagery. Through painting, ancient characters cease to belong only to old legends and enter the contemporary visual world once again.

“Mavka” in progress in the artist’s studio. Kyiv, 2021.

The large format allows the viewer to become immersed in the world created by the artist. Water occupies almost the entire composition, while the water lilies and fish strengthen the feeling of a living natural environment in which Mavka exists as an inseparable part of nature itself.

The painting during preparation for Marina Stognieva’s personal exhibition. Kyiv, 2022.

In 2022, the work became part of Marina Stognieva’s personal exhibition in Kyiv. The exhibition project continues its story, bringing together works from different years and reflecting the development of the artist’s creative practice.

→ Learn more about the personal exhibition

Full view of the painting “Mavka”.

Painting Video

→ Explore the gallery

→ Learn more about the artist

Artwork Details

Original Artwork & Collectible Fine Art Prints

“Mavka” is an original painting by Marina Stognieva, created in oils on canvas. It is a unique one-of-a-kind original artwork.

For selected works by the artist, collectible Fine Art Prints personally signed by Marina Stognieva may also be available. Sizes, materials, prices and other details can be discussed before ordering.

Payment & Worldwide Shipping

Payment can be made via PayPal, bank transfer, or another method agreed in advance.

Worldwide shipping is available. The painting is shipped rolled in a protective tube. This is a standard and secure method for international shipping, helping to protect the artwork during transport.

Shipping costs and estimated delivery times are calculated individually depending on the destination country. All purchase, payment, packaging and worldwide shipping details can be discussed directly with the artist.

“I have always been drawn to Ukrainian mythological figures because nature is never simply a background in these stories. It is alive. Mavka belongs to this world of water, forest and silence — and at the same time, she looks directly at us from the space of an ancient legend.”

— Marina Stognieva