Marie Vassilieff

A gift from the artist to Nina Hamnett
Thence by descent
Acquired from the above by the current owner

Original panel. The paint surface is slightly dirty. UV light reveals no apparent retouching. Held in a white painted wooden frame. 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."

Vassilieff emigrated to France in 1907, where she studied under Henri Matisse and attended classes at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1908 she founded the Académie russe, (renamed Académie Vassilieff the following year, and today the Musée de Montparnasse).  The theatre and circus were a major influence on Vassilieff's work. The present lot is less abstract than some of her works, though the influence of Cubism is visible in the angular shapes and orthogonals which run throughout the composition.

Circus was a present from Vassilieff to her friend, the English artist Nina Hamnett. It reflects the lively energy and spirit of the bohemian Montparnasse, where Vassilieff and Hamnet operated what was in effect a cheap private club for artists, including Amedeo Modigliani, Chaim Soutine and Pablo Picasso.