Was Vladimir Putin's rise to power forseen by a 19th Century artist? Russian media discover incredible similarity between character in 137-year-old painting and the Moscow leader
- Radio journalist spotted likeness between painting and the Russian leader
- Marina Korolyova said the 1878 painting showed art's 'forecasting power'
- Ekho Moscow journalist said she only realised the resemblance when she zoomed in on the faces with the camera on her mobile phone
- She claims the image also shows Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov
A 137-year-old painting by a famous Russian artist miraculously shows an image of President Vladimir Putin and his long-serving foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, it has been claimed in Moscow.
The 19th century work by Ilya Repin depicts two pilgrims said to bear an uncanny resemblance to the modern-day Kremlin grandees.
Russian radio journalist Marina Korolyova who spotted the likeness in the 1878 painting called it 'the forecasting power of art'.
The painting of the two pilgrims from the province of Kursk hangs at the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow's leading depository of Russian art.
Likelness: The artwork by Russia's foremost 19th century painter Ilya Repin depicts two pilgrims said to bear an uncanny resemblance to Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov
Uncanny: Russian President Vladimir Putin and his long-serving foreign minister Sergey Lavrov
Repin was Russia's foremost 19th century painter - as famous in the art world as Leo Tolstoy in literature.
He was seen as the leader of realism in Russian art, but could he also predict the future?
The Ekho Moscow journalist said she only realised the resemblance when she zoomed in on the faces with the camera on her mobile phone.
'They're on their way to pray at the UN General Assembly,' said one comment.
But some disputed the similarity to Putin and Lavrov, seen in the US and Europe as architects of Russia's current strained relations with the West.
'You shouldn't start your morning with cognac, Korolyova,' said one.
Acclaimed: The painting of the two pilgrims from the province of Kursk hangs at the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow's leading depository of Russian art
Power: Some have disputed the similarity to Putin and Lavrov, seen in the U.S. and Europe as architects of Russia's current strained relations with the West
This morning it emerged that Vladimir Putin may have difficulty accepting a gold encrusted watch for his birthday next month as it is made by American firm Apple.
Last year Russia unveiled plans to ban Apple products in a move that was only cancelled at the last minute, but the American company still remains under the spotlight.
So when Putin turns 63 on October 7, the gift of an Apple watch, personalised by the Russian-owned Italian jewellery firm Caviar which is heading his way, is unlikely to be well received.
Caviar phones specialise in customising iPhones.
Last year they made headlines with a golden iPhone 6 called the Supremo Putin II, which featured the Russian leader's head on its back and was on sale in November for £2,300.
Despite the unusual choice of decoration - and the heavy price tag - previous models from the 'Putinphone' collections have sold out in record time.
The iPhone 5 Supremo Putin, which retailed at £2,730, was a limited-edition design of which only 144 were made. It sold out within days of its release in June this year.
- The View mock Miss Colorado's nursing monologue
- Crazy woman blocks parking space with her body
- GRAPHIC CONTENT: Horrific assault filmed at Baltimore school
- Football player removes opponent's helmet and hits him
- Apology from The View over Miss Colorado monologue
- The world's scariest clowns have been terrifying people...
- Do NOT mess with this turtle! Snapping turtle in scary...
- Prince Harry stars in Rugby World Cup 2015 opening film
- Video posted to Facebook in 2014 shows Bella's birthday
- Furious Qatari drag racer confronted by videographer
- Jeb Bush stands up on tiptoes for CNN Debate photo
- Mysterious 'End of Times' cloud spotted in Costa Rica
- In America's most expensive city THIS is what $350K buys you...
- Baby Doe's mom and her boyfriend in custody after Boston...
- The View loses two major advertisers after mocking nurse...
- EXCLUSIVE PICTURES: Inside the life of the gangster being...
- Woman vs SUV: Parking space hogger tries blocking the...
- 'We can renegotiate if you decide you would rather be my...
- Pictured: Harry's late-night dash from 31st birthday bash...
- Outrage as Donald Trump fails to correct ignorant supporter...
- Qatari Sheikh linked to Beverly Hills street racing leaves...
- Pictured: The seven hikers swept to their deaths in Utah...
- 'That's not a real profession. They want to be doctors':...
- 'Clearly the police made a mistake!': Bristol Palin is...