Petr Petrovich Konchalovsky

A gift from the artist to the father of the present owner
Thence by descent

M.L.Neiman, P.P. Konchalovsky, Moscow, 1967, listed p.307

The canvas has been lined. There is a layer of discoloured varnish and surface dirt. There are minor paint abrasions along the edges and to the lower right hand corner. UV light reveals no signs of retouching. UNFRAMED
"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."

The offered lot Still Life with a Candlestick and Pears was a gift from the artist to his Chinese friend, Fu Bingchang.  Fu, a revolutionary, politician, and a diplomat, was Chiang Kaishek's last Ambassador to Soviet Russia, and he was stationed in Moscow for six years, from 1943 to 1949.  Fu was introduced to Konchalovsky in 1943, and from that time the two men formed a friendship, meeting sometimes at the artist's studio or at Fu's dacha in Udernaya on the outskirts of Moscow. Other guests at Udernaya include Boris Pasternak and Alexey Tolstoy.

In August 1945 after the end of the Second World War, life for ordinary Russians was still difficult.  When Fu managed to procure some deliciously ripe Chinese pears from Mainland China and presented them to Konchalovsky as a small gift, the artist could not resist capturing the fruit on canvas before savouring its flavour.  The result was Still Life with Candlestick and Pears.