Sergei Soudeikine

Estate of Murray Hoffman, Woodstock (acquired directly from the artist)
Acquired from the above by the present owner in the 1970s

Two Figures Reclining is most likely a scene from George Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess. Soudeikine painted the set designs for the first production of the opera in Boston in 1935. Farmhouse depicts the place where Soudeikine resided while staying in Woodstock, New York.

Two Figures Reclining: oil on aluminum tray. The tray is a bit dirty and covered with a layer of slightly yellowed varnish. The tray has some minor dents and some minor abrasions, one in the upper right corner. There is a small stain in the left center section and minor white stains to the lower left corner. There are minor scratches and some craquelure. Minor corrosion on the reverse and around the edges of the tray. Farmhouse in Woodstock: oil on aluminum tray. The tray is a bit dirty and covered with a layer of slightly yellowed varnish. The tray has some very minor dents and scratches, including one 2 inch scratch in the lower portion (over the road) of the tray and one 3 inch scratch over the lower right corner of the barn. There is some very minor paint loss and resulting corrosion near the tree on the right side of the painting and in the upper yellow sky area. There is also minor paint loss in the barn and some white stains over the man leaning down and the road. There is paint loss and corrosion to the outer rim and reverse of the tray. Painting is in overall excellent condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.