Konstantin Alexeevich Korovin, 1861-1939

Acquired directly from the artist in Berlin in early 1920s by Alexander Konstantinovsky;
Thence by descent to his grandson

Original canvas and there is a patch to the lower left-hand corner of the reverse. Paint surface is slightly dirty and there is a layer of slightly discoloured varnish. There are fine lines of craquelure in places particularly in the top left quadrant of the picture. Examination under UV light reveals retouching in the lower right which corresponds to the repair on the reverse. There is retouching along the top of the left hand edge and across the top edge and further flecks in places elsewhere. Held in a modern gold painted plaster and wood 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."

 

Born into a family of wealthy coal mine owners, Alexander Konstantinovsky (1880-1938) became one of Russia's leading financiers. His involvement in the building of the Trans-Siberian railway led to one of the towns along the route being named Konstantinovsky in his honour. Initially he was a great collector of Old Master paintings, but at the time of the 1905 Revolution, he abandoned part of this collection. When he settled in Vienna and later Berlin, he built up his collection again with works by contemporary artists such as Korovin, whose pictures he bought in the early 1920s, when the Gallery of Karl Nikolai, Berlin mounted an exhibition of his work.