- 102
Ivan Pavlovich Pokhitonov
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 GBP
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Description
- Ivan Pavlovich Pokhitonov
- Hunting in the Woods
- signed in Cyrillic and dated 79 l.r.
- oil on canvas
- 56 by 40.5cm, 22 by 16in.
Provenance
M. Romann, France
Exhibited
Paris, Palais des Champs-Elysées, Salon de Paris, Première année, 1879, no. 2452 as Une clairière
Condition
Original canvas. There is evidence of some minor paint shrinkage in the lower left corner, otherwise in overall good condition. UV light reveals a small area of retouching between the hunter and dog, and a few very minor spots or retouching in places elsewhere. 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Pokhitonov’s earliest known oil paintings from the 1870s were painted on canvas and focused primarily on the Kherson landscape around the village of Matrionovka where he grew up. The attention to detail which defines his work is already evident here in the careful brushstrokes of the tall grass and greenery; the beautifully observed bird in the hunter’s aim is even identifiable as a wood grouse.
On arriving in Paris, Pokhitonov painted a few works on canvas including the remarkable Vue de l'avenue Foch. His discovery of the Barbizon school, and Meissonnier in particular, inspired him however to try using small panels instead. This new support suited his miniaturist techniques so completely that he would abandon canvas almost altogether. The canvas support of the present work, the dimension and early dating – combined with early evidence of his highly characteristic technique - make this an exceptionally unusual and important piece.
On arriving in Paris, Pokhitonov painted a few works on canvas including the remarkable Vue de l'avenue Foch. His discovery of the Barbizon school, and Meissonnier in particular, inspired him however to try using small panels instead. This new support suited his miniaturist techniques so completely that he would abandon canvas almost altogether. The canvas support of the present work, the dimension and early dating – combined with early evidence of his highly characteristic technique - make this an exceptionally unusual and important piece.
We would like to thank Olivier Bertrand, author of the forthcoming catalogue raisonné on Ivan Pokhitonov, for providing this catalogue note.