Mikhail Fedorovich Larionov, 1881-1964

Professor N.L.Okunev, Prague
Thence by decent

The sheet is sound. There is a vertical crease running through the centre and some scuffing along the edges. The sheet has yellowed and the colours have faded a bit. Unframed.
"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."

To be sold together with an autograph letter from the artist to Nikolai Okunev, signed M.Larionov, dated 4-9-34 on 2 sheets, quarto and octavo and an autograph manuscript by Nikolai Gumilev of the short story, Cherny general [The Black General] 4 pages octavo, dedicated to Natalia Sergeevna Goncharova and dated Paris 1917, a gift from Goncharova to Vera, Okunev's daughter.

My very dear Nikolai L'vovich! [...] I have never met anybody else who, like you, regards works of art in such a touching and attentive manner, regardless of their artistic value.

 

Gumilev's story, The Black General, was first published in 1922 in the literary journal Spolokhi, and again in Volya Rossii, in Prague in 1931.

 

 

In his convivial letter to Okunev, Larionov writes that he is happy to learn that Vera was so pleased with Gumilev's short story and his own caricature of the author. Thanking Okunev for the photographs which he sent, Larionov reminds him to bring back plenty of the material on dance and the circus from his meeting in Sofia.  He announces that from 10^th October he will be in Paris, where he will collect everything that Okunov needs, however important or insignificant.