- 105
Bogdan Pavlovich Villevalde, 1818-1903
Description
- Bogdan Pavlovich Villevalde
- Lifeguards on Constable Square, Gatchina
- signed in Latin m.c.
- oil on canvas
- 67 by 96cm., 26½ by 37¾in.
Literature
Imperial Palaces in the vicinity of St Petersburg, vol. Tsarskoe Selo, ed. Alain de Gourcuff, 1992
Condition
"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
Villevalde was regularly commissioned by the Imperial family to paint military subjects and battle scenes, and this is one of 34 regimental paintings by the artist that hung in the Green Study of Nicholas I in the Alexander Palace at Tsarskoe Selo. While the scene is relatively mundane, it records the Lifeguards' uniforms just before more ornate lacquered leather helmets replaced their shakos in the reform of 9 May 1844.
Lifeguards on Constable Square, Gatchina shows a number of soldiers from the Lifeguards Izmailovsky Regiment waiting at their ease on Constable Square by the obelisk that is now symbolic of the palace and the town. The square mirrors that at the Montmorency family chateau in Chantilly, home to the Constables of France, hence its name. In front of the main group of experienced troops are four officers, the most senior of whom has just arrived on horseback, and a drummer and trumpeter are distinctive in their ornate tunics. The informality of the soldiers, some of whom are lounging behind the obelisk, contrasts with Tsar's approach over the bridge to the right. Whether this is artistic licence, or they are to accompany His Imperial Majesty on his ride, is left to the viewer.
As Villevalde's works were destined for Imperial ownership, they were rarely exhibited to the general public and almost never entered private hands. This painting therefore represents an item of unique Imperial and military interest.