Chocolate Putin Portrait Goes on Display

The sweeter side of President Vladimir Putin has gone on display in Moscow: a portrait of the Russian leader entirely in chocolate.

Luxury chocolate-maker Konfael created the edible portrait of Putin on a 3.3-pound slab of white chocolate. Other kinds of chocolate flesh out the likeness – while strawberry juice colors his lips and blueberry juice shades his tie.

The chocolate-makers say the chocolate Putin is a work of art, and they are pricing it at $700. Only two have been created.

“I would regret eating such a portrait,” said a shopper, who only gave her first name, Lisa.

Konfael employees said the portraits are attracting attention but no buyers so far. And the clock is ticking – in a year, the chocolate will turn stale.

The chocolate portrait is just the latest homage to Putin, who has already been flattered in books and songs. His face is plastered on T-shirts, posters and matryoshka nesting dolls – most of which can be bought for under $10 at souvenir stalls around the country.