Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich

Arkady Roumanoff (1878-1960), Paris
Thence by descent

There is some light abrasion to the surface of the card in the upper left section and elsewhere in the sky. The surface is dirty and there are a few minor spots and stains. There are flecs of paint loss in the lower right corner. Held in a white painted wooden frame behind glass. 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."

It is probable that this work was executed after 1935.

Works by Nikolai Roerich from the Collection of Arkady Roumanoff
Lots 350-351

Originally educated as a lawyer, Arkady Veniaminovich Roumanoff (1878-1960) made his name in pre-Revolutionary St. Petersburg as a journalist, writer and critic and director of the publications Niva and Russkoe slovo. Roumanoff was a member of literary and artistic circles and a great patron of contemporary artists of Russia's so-called Silver Age, building up an important collection of his own. However the 'Red Terror' of 1917 forced him to emigrate to England and then France, leaving behind his valuable library and Russian art collection, which included works by Alexander Benois, Mikhail Vrubel, Igor Grabar and Nikolai Roerich. In 1920 the collection was nationalised and most of it, including Nathan Altman's iconic portrait of Anna Akhmatova, transferred to the State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg.

 

Roumanoff had known Roerich in St. Petersburg and sought his advice when forming his collection. Their friendship lasted long into emigration, as Roumanoff continued to acquire works by artists who had, like him, settled in the West. The following two Himalayan landscapes by Roerich from Roumanoff's collection come to auction directly from his descendants.