An impressive furniture suite, N. Troubetskoy, early 20th century

comprising: a table, a bench, an armchair, a stool, a side table, a tall side table and two wall mounted shelves, in neo-Russian style, all pieces similarly decorated with bronze mounts elaborately and finely chased with motifs from Russian fairy tales and applied with varicoloured gems, the tall side table signed in Latin N. Troubetskoy    

In apparent overall very good condition. There are minor surface scratches to the wooden panels throughout and slight corrosion to the bronze mounts around the feet. The bronze panels are slightly bent along the edges in places but this does not detract from the overall appearance of the piece. The colour of the patina is slightly darker on the table and side table. This is a very unusual and attractive furniture suite.
"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."

This very decorative suite of furniture was almost certainly made in Talashkino or Abramtsevo, two of the better known artistic colonies that emerged at the turn of the 20^th century in Russia.  Abramstsevo, a country estate near Moscow belonged to a wealthy industrialist and patron of the arts, Savva Mamontov (1841-1918); Talashkino, close to Smolensk was owned by Princess Maria Tenisheva (1867-1928). Furniture-making particularly flourished in both colonies where the owners fostered the emerging Neo-Russian style and brought together the brightest and the best of Russia's artists and designers to the workshops on their estates. Under the artistic direction of Elena Polenova (1850-1898) in Abramtsevo, and the painter and architect Segei Malyutin (1859-1937) in Talashkino, both workshops produced original handmade pieces of furniture, which often took months to complete.

The furniture of Talashkino and Abramstevo designers differed slightly in design and form.  In Talashkino the artists drew on Polenova's works of the 1890s, which were notable for their large, heavy, sculptural forms. Even when designing chair backs and armrests, preference was given to solid forms, rather than framed constructions. Conversely in Abramstevo the furniture was lighter; the frames carved with geometrical motifs were harmoniously combined with decorations based on the history, rites, customs and myths of ancient Russia. Particularly popular were the motifs, which stemmed from folk art: the sun, mermaids, firebirds, bogatyri, beauties, birds of paradise, lions and other familiar fairy-tales characters, most of which are represented in the offered lot.

The furniture suite offered here is particularly interesting as it unites the traditions of both workshops. The simplicity and clarity of the construction is reminiscent of furniture produced in Talashkino, whereas the intricate and elaborate bronze decorations are more typical of the Abramtsevo workshop. Very few examples of Neo-Russian furniture have survived, making them highly sought-after among experts, dealers and collectors. A similar chair made by Princess Troubetskaya is illustrated in E. Kirichenko, M. Anikst, Russian Design and the Fine Arts 1750-1917, Harry N. Abrams, New York, 1991, p. 176.