Artist to 'fix' work that Vladimir Putin criticised

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has made headlines in recent times for slaying tigers and starring in his own martial arts video, and now he can add art critic to his lengthy, eclectic resume.

Putin told a founder of the Russian school of high realism, Ilya Glazunov, that a sword in one of his paintings was too short, and looked "only good for slicing sausage".

Glazunov, known for his paintings of religious scenes and Russian heroes, is head of the Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture and a member of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland.



That didn't stop Putin telling the artist: "The sword is a bit too short, it looks like a pocket knife in his hands. It looks like it is only good for slicing sausage."

Glazunov was quick to agree, and said he would rectify the painting, 'Prince Oleg with Igor'.

"I don't miss a single detail," Putin said of his art critiquing skills.