- 31
Boris Israilovich Anisfeld
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 GBP
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Description
- Boris Izrailevich Anisfeld
- Still Life with Flowers
- signed in Latin and Cyrillic and dated 1916 l.r.
oil on canvas
- 88 by 71 cm., 34 1/2 by 28in.
Provenance
Shepherd Gallery, New York
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner
Condition
Original canvas which is a little loose on the stretcher. Most of the reverse of the canvas is obscured by cardboard. The paint surface is slightly dirty with a slightly discoloured varnish. There are lines of craquelure on the impasto and some flecks of paintloss to the edges and some light abrasion also. UV light reveals an uneven layer of varnish, an area of retouching to the lower edge and areas of retouching to the edges. Held in a 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."
"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 work exemplifies Anisfeld's predilection for rich still life elements, which allowed him to exploit the emotive qualities of primary and contrasting colours. The bold palette and layering of planes in the composition recall the style of Matisse and Gauguin, and indicate why Anisfeld was counted among the foremost artists of the modernist movement in twentieth century Russia. It was his commitment to capturing the wonders of nature, that most preoccupied him as an artist, and this sincerity is apparent here. Ending his days in America as a hugely charismatic and inspirational teacher, one of his former pupils, Rufus Bastian, lovingly said of him: "An artist's religion is his devotion to truth. In this respect, no living man is so near to God as Boris Anisfeld."