Iosif Evstafevich Krachkovsky

By repute, the collection of Princess Xenia Georgievna, New York
Private Collection, New York
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner circa 1990

The surface is covered with a layer of varnish. The work has been cleaned and restored, and some pigments fluoresce in the sky and the landscape under UV. Held in a gold painted wooden frame. Unexamined out of frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

During the 1890s Krachkovsky received several Imperial commissions to paint the towns of Livadia, Massandra and Oreanda, located on the Crimea's 'Imperial' coast. His summer landscapes appealed to the entire spectrum of Russian society: they adorned the walls of the Livadia Palace and were reproduced as popular postcards. Princess Yussupova collected Krachkovsky's paintings and two of his Crimean views at the artist's 1902 solo exhibition were bought for the museum of Alexander III in St. Petersburg.

The Church of the Intercession of Our Lady is renowned for its beautiful mosaics and dome. In Anton Chekhov's Lady with a Lapdog, Gurov and Anna Sergeevna drive to the beautiful grove in the present work: 'At Oreanda they sat on a seat not far from the church, looked down at the sea, and were silent. Yalta was hardly visible through the morning mist; white clouds stood motionless on the mountain-tops. The leaves did not stir on the trees, grasshoppers chirruped, and the monotonous hollow sound of the sea rising up from below, spoke of the peace, of the eternal sleep awaiting us.'