Lovely painting of the Learnèd Cat ("Кот Учёный" -- "Kot Uchyony"), the fairytale-telling, song-singing feline from the opening of Alexander Pushkin's epic poem Ruslan and Lyudmila (Руслан и Людмила).
У лукоморья дуб зелёный; Златая цепь на дубе том: И днём и ночью кот учёный Всё ходит по цепи кругом; Идёт направо — песнь заводит, Налево — сказку говорит.
In Lukomorye there is a green oak; A golden chain is wrapped around it: And day and night the Learnèd Cat Walks all around on the chain; Walking to the right, he begins a song, To the left -- he tells a story.
That is a very literal and unpoetic translation, by me. I'm not sure who the artist is for the picture (if anyone knows, please do mention it so proper credit can be given)! (Image Source)
