Arkady Razmyslov is a recognized master of visual satire in the Komi Republic. He continues the traditions of lubok, a Russian popular print. He creates witty and entertaining images for a wide audience, using humor to raise awareness of burning issues.

In the 1980s, Razmyslov turned to the historical legacy of the Komi Republic and created a series of prints, telling the story of Zyryan life in the olden days. He dedicated several works to the capital of the Zyryan region, the town of Ust-Sysolsk which was renamed Syktyvkar in 1930.

One of the prints in the series of cityscapes is titled “Christmastide”. Arkady Razmyslov showed traditional Christmas celebrations in Ust-Sysolsk at the beginning of the 20th century. He depicted Trekhsvyatitelskaya Street (Three Saints Street) facing Sobornaya Square — nowadays, it is known as Kommunisticheskaya Street (Communist Street). The former name referred to three bishops of Perm recognized as miracle workers and venerated in the Zyryan lands: Gerasim, Pitirim, and Iona. They were the successors of Stephen of Perm on the cathedra in Ust-Vym.

This cityscape is based on an early-20th-century photograph from a set of postcards produced at the order of the Derbenev Brothers Trading House. In the background, there is the five-domed Saint Stephen Cathedral, named after Stephen of Perm, the baptizer and heavenly protector of the Zyryans. The church was constructed over 25 years on the initiative and at the expense of the local residents.

On both sides of the street, there are two-story wooden buildings with stores. One of them features a sign “Nyan Shop”. This is a bakery because “nyan” is the Komi word for bread. Delighted children and adults can be seen in the lit windows, watching the fun Christmas activities outside.

The artist showed the residents of a provincial town with kind humor. Mummers march across the square, young people ride in fast sleds, and children go sledding, skating, and enjoying a fun swing ride. Bundled-up citizens walk past them, busy with their holiday hustle and bustle.

In the distance, the taiga can be seen, frozen under a black starry sky. It is not just the people in the painting that are filled with the warm anticipation of the coming holiday but also birds, dogs and horses. In the sky, Razmyslov depicted the winter zodiac signs, also having fun in their own way: Sagittarius is aiming its bow at the running Capricorn, Aquarius pours water on Sagittarius, and Pisces are discussing something.