Nikolai Gustavovich Schilder, 1828-1898

Original canvas. There are six small patches to the reverse. There paint surface is dirty. There are a few fine lines of craquelure to the face. Examination under UV light reveals spots of retouching in places throughout, to the sitter and the background, however an uneven layer of opaque varnish prevents a more conclusive analysis. Held in a gold painted plaster 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."

Nikolai Schilder studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg in the class of Bogdan Villevalde and became an Academician in 1861. He is best known for the series of genre scenes he painted under the influence of Pavel Fedotov, one of which, Temptation, was purchased in 1856 by Pavel Tretyakov, and formed the basis of the Tretyakov Gallery collection.

 

Schilder was awarded an honorary commission to paint parade portraits of members of the Imperial family, such as the offered lot, painted to commemorate the tsar's coronation in 1896.  As a result of the Soviet regime's ban on images of Imperial subjects, this piece is one of the few oil portraits of the tsar by recognised artists known to exist.