Viktor Mikhaylovich Vasnetsov (Russian, 1848-1926) Sirin and Alkonost: The Birds of Joy and Sorrow • 1896 • Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow
Sitting on the branches of the tree on either side of its trunk are two mythological creatures from Russian folklore: Sirin and Alkonost. Each one represents a being that is half woman, half bird…more here
