Lot 113
  • 113

Savely Abramovich Sorine, 1878-1953

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description

  • Savely Abramovich Sorine
  • Portrait of Marina Chaliapina
  • signed in Latin l.l. and dated 1951
  • watercolour over pencil on paper laid on canvas
  • image size: 83 by 68cm., 32¾ by 26¾in.

Condition

The paper has been laid on canvas. There are some media marks along the lower edge and a few very small stains in places. Held in a gold painted wooden frame and under glass. 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."

Catalogue Note

The offered portrait exemplifies the exquisite graphic art of Savely Sorine, a contemporary of World of Art painter Konstantin Somov.  It was painted in 1929, a year after Fedor Chaliapin's daughter Marina, known for her beauty, wit and charm, was elected as Miss Russia.  Almost a century later the sitter recalls with humour her sittings with Sorine and the reason why the artist took such a long time to finish the portrait:

 

"While I was posing for the portrait, which took about a month, Sorine asked if I would help him with a problem.  He was in love with a young American girl, but couldn't fully express his feelings for her, as his English was not fluent enough.  So he asked me to write some letters for him which he could then copy.  This was great fun because I indulged in all my romantic fantasies and I ended up writing some incredible lyrics.  This is why the portrait took so long!"

 

Although it belonged to Marina Chaliapin, Sorine kept the portrait in his own collection for several years and she describes the attraction that it held for all those who saw it:

 

"During the War the painting was in Sorine's house in the United States.  Apparently Greta Garbo, who was a friend of the family, told Mrs Sorine that she absolutely wanted this portrait.  Seemingly she insisted many times!  She wanted to put the painting all by itself in a room lined with pale grey velvet.  All Mrs Sorine could do was to refuse since the painting belonged to me"

 

Marina Chaliapina-Freddi, Rome, 16th January 2007