Alexei Alexeevich Harlamoff

O.Sugrobova-Roth and E.Lingenauber (Eds.), Alexei Harlamoff: catalogue raisonné., Düsseldorf: Editions A.Harlamoff, 2007, p.166, No.129, illustrated pl.119

The original canvas has been strip lined. There is a layer of discoloured varnish and fine lines of craquelure in places. UV light reveals a few a few spots of retouching in places. Held in a gold painted plaster frame and 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."

Born in the village of D'yachevka near Saratov on the Volga, Alexei Harlamoff studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Saint Petersburg where he demonstrated a liking for Rembrandt van Rijn's work of which he produced several copies. In 1868 he won both a gold medal and a travel scholarship, which he used to travel to Paris where he attended the École des Beaux-Arts.

Before his departure from Russia, Harlamoff had established himself as a successful portrait painter. Among his sitters were many distinguished members of the Russian aristocracy, his most important being Tsar Alexander II. In Paris he worked with the great portrait painter and teacher Léon Bonnat and regularly exhibited at the French salons.

Reflecting the national spirit for genre painting with its increased appreciation for Russian peasant life, Harlamoff produced many masterful portraits of young girls, chosen for their charming beauty. In the offered lot the young girl wrapped in an embroidered shawl does not engage with the viewer but her dreamy gaze drifts into the distance. Using soft and natural colours Harlamoff skilfully highlights the profile of the sitter against the dark background creating a timeless image of innocence and youth.