The Accursed Kings Series
The Accursed Kings Series is a collection of oil paintings by Igor Shulman that shows kings and queens in moments of quiet strength, sadness, and reflection. These portraits tell stories about power, family, and the hidden emotions behind the crown. Explore this unique series and discover the untold tales of royalty.
About The Accursed Kings Series
When I started The Accursed Kings back in 2006, I wasn’t really sure where it would lead me. The idea came from somewhere deep inside — a fascination with the hidden side of royalty, the stories that don’t make it into history books. These paintings are about the weight of power, the loneliness that often comes with it, and the complicated relationships between kings, queens, and their heirs.
I wanted to show these figures not as glamorous or untouchable, but as people carrying heavy emotions — sadness, doubt, maybe even regret. The series is my way of imagining those unwritten tales, those moments behind the throne where everything feels uncertain. It’s a look at legacy, family, and the price of authority.
“I started this project without really knowing where it would go. I like to think of these paintings as sketches of an imagined world — a place full of strange, unhappy kings and queens. I call it The Accursed Kings”.
Explore the Paintings
This series includes six paintings, each telling its own story about different kings and queens. You’ll see moments of quiet struggle, unexpected companionship, and the bittersweet nature of power. From a mother and daughter queen caught in a fiery landscape, to a weary king dragging a small dog behind him, every painting invites you to pause and imagine the life behind the crown.
Each piece is unique but connected by the same mood — a mix of melancholy, strength, and mystery. I hope as you explore them, you find your own stories in their faces and settings.
27.56 x 27.56 in / 70 x 70 cm
Expressionism
27.56 x 27.56 in / 70 x 70 cm
27.56 x 27.56 in / 70 x 70 cm
Style and Technique
My approach to these paintings is pretty straightforward but full of emotion. I work mostly with oil on canvas, using thick layers of paint to build texture and depth. The brushstrokes are bold and visible because I want you to feel the energy and rawness behind each piece.
The figures themselves are stylized — elongated faces, exaggerated features — to highlight their inner feelings rather than focus on perfect realism. The colors are often intense and sometimes contrasting, reflecting the tension and drama in their stories. It’s a mix of expressionism and a bit of surrealism, with a folk art vibe that keeps things personal and approachable.
Stories Behind the Paintings
Each painting in The Accursed Kings Series carries its own story—moments of quiet tension, unexpected companionship, or the bittersweet weight of power. For example, the painting of the king dragging a small dog reflects the loneliness and fading influence that can come with lost power. The crowned woman playing the accordion next to a caged bird explores the tension between creative freedom and confinement.
These stories aren’t spelled out in words but are meant to be felt and imagined. They invite you to connect with the emotions behind the crowns and see the human side of royalty.
How to Purchase or View the Series
These original oil paintings are signed and ready to be enjoyed, but they have all been sold and are part of a private collection. However, if you’re interested, I can create master copies inspired by the series.
When it comes to framing, I recommend working with local frame shops. They can provide the best quality and tailor the frame perfectly to your space and taste.
If you’d like to learn more about master copies or have any questions, feel free to reach out to me directly through the website. I’m always happy to chat with fellow art lovers.
FAQ
Are prints or copies of the paintings available?
Are prints or copies of the paintings available?
The original paintings are part of a private collection and have been sold, but master copies can be commissioned. Prints are also available as an option. Please contact me for details if you’re interested.
Can I commission a new painting in the style of The Accursed Kings?
Can I commission a new painting in the style of The Accursed Kings?
Yes! I welcome commissions inspired by this series or other ideas you might have. Feel free to reach out and we can discuss your vision.
How are the paintings framed?
How are the paintings framed?
I recommend ordering frames locally to ensure the best quality and a perfect fit for your space and taste.
What materials and techniques do you use?
What materials and techniques do you use?
These are oil paintings on canvas, created with thick, expressive brushstrokes that bring out texture and emotion.
Where can I see the paintings in person?
Where can I see the paintings in person?
The original paintings are currently in private collections. If you’re interested in viewing master copies or upcoming exhibitions, please get in touch.
Is there an option to purchase prints?
Is there an option to purchase prints?
Yes, prints are available as an option. Contact me to learn more about sizes, pricing, and shipping.
All Art Collections
Here you’ll find a variety of Igor Shulman’s art collections, each one showing a different side of his work. From chandeliers and dresses to still lifes and portraits, every collection has its own mood and story. Take a look and see which one catches your eye — these pieces capture moments and feelings in a way that’s both honest and personal.
- Chandeliers Collection. Vol. 1
- Dresses collection. Vol1
- Still Life Collection. Part #1
- Gravity. Vol1
- After Party Collection #1
- Station collection
- Erotica. Vol1
- Musician Collection
- Jews Collection. Serie #2
- Men Collection
- My Animals Collection
- Jews Collection
- Ambiance Collection. Serie #2
- Ambiance Collection. Serie #1
- My Fishes
- Birds’ Collection. Part #2
- Bird’s Collection. Part #1
- New Icon Collection
- The Ballet Serie #2
- Antiglamour
- The Ballet Serie #1
What strikes me most is the loneliness behind authority. These portraits remind us that power often isolates, and that even kings and queens wrestle with doubts and regrets. It’s a humbling perspective on leadership.
@Oliver_Smith I completely agree — the loneliness behind authority is so palpable in this series. Igor Shulman himself describes The Accursed Kings as illustrations to unwritten tales, capturing the hidden emotions of royalty: power, loss, and the heavy burden they carry. It’s fascinating how he paints these figures not as glorified monarchs, but as deeply human, often unhappy individuals wrestling with their fate and responsibilities.
The impasto technique and expressive brushwork only add to that sense of quiet drama and foreboding, making you feel the weight of inheritance and rivalry pressing down on them. It really humbles you to realize that behind every crown is a complex human story filled with doubt and regret, just like any of us.
Have you noticed how the color contrasts — the cold blues and fiery reds — also seem to reflect this inner turmoil? It’s like each painting is a window into a soul struggling with the cost of power.
Love the mood here. Feels like these kings are carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. So powerful.
Does anyone else feel like these paintings capture moments just before some big decision or change? Like we’re seeing the calm before the storm.
@ClaireDoodle Yes! That’s exactly what I felt too. There’s this tension in their eyes, like something heavy is about to happen.
I see these works as metaphors for the human condition — the masks we wear, the roles we play, and the unseen struggles beneath. The “accursed” part could symbolize the burdens we all carry, whether crowned or not.
The sadness in these faces really hits home. It’s like they’re telling stories we don’t hear, but feel deep inside.
@Sofia_K Absolutely. There’s a universality in that sadness — it transcends time and status.
Power is often romanticized, but this series strips it down to its raw essence — responsibility, isolation, and the cost of legacy. It’s a reminder that behind every throne is a human soul.
Such a unique take on royalty. I love how these paintings don’t just show status, but vulnerability.
@AnnaLovesArt Exactly! It’s refreshing to see vulnerability instead of pomp and glory.
Does anyone know if Igor Shulman based these characters on real historical figures or are they purely imagined?
@snownica2019 From what I read, it’s a mix. The series is inspired by history but also by untold, imagined stories — unwritten tales, as Igor calls them.
I’d love to see master copies of these paintings. Anyone know if prints are available?
@misandric-misogynist Yes, prints and master copies can be commissioned. You can contact Igor directly through this email [email protected] or give a call + (420) 730-162-369.