Alexander Nikolaevich Benois, 1870-1960

Estimate

25,000 - 35,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Alexander Nikolaevich Benois
the grand cascade, peterhof
signed in Latin l.r. and inscribed Peterhof ; also signed in Latin and further inscribed on the stretcher
watercolour over pencil heightened with gouache on paper laid on canvas
image size: 64 by 80cm., 25¼ by 31½in.

Provenance

Acquired directly from the artist by the father of the present owner.

Exhibited

Copenhagen, Arts Exhibition Agency, 7-20 February 1929, No.4

Literature

Arts Exhibition Agency Catalogue, Copenhahen: 1929, No.4 (illustrated)

Catalogue Note

Construction began on the Grand Cascade at Peterhof in 1715 and lasted eight years. Built on a natural slope it comprised several flights of steps lined with gilded bronze sculptures of classical gods. The offered work shows that of Acteon, considered to be one of the most accomplished casts.

By the waterfall under the Great Palace, through the droplets which drizzled down on me I could see jets of water spraying upwards between the golden deities sparkling in the sunshine.