Alexander Volkov

Henry L. Carlsruh & Co., Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Contemporary Russian Art, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Private Collection (acquired directly from the above)

This heavily painted work is painted on heavy paper which is stretched onto a stretcher. It is in untouched condition. The paper is distorted and could be relaxed. The painting may never have been cleaned. There are some pin holes along the top edges and the very textured paint layer may have some small areas of dirt and staining. There is a small loss in the upper left quadrant but there do not appear to be any restorations. This picture is in very healthy condition, although some attention will improve the way it looks. The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Alexander Volkov studied at the St. Petersburg Academy under Vladimir Makovsky and then at the Kiev Art School before moving to Uzbekistan. His works are influenced by a combination of Cubist and Central Asian motifs, combining a generalization of form with a vivid palette. Morning in Shakhmardan depicts a settlement in the valley of the Alay mountains in Uzbekistan.