- 815
Alexander Nikolaevich Benois
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description
- Alexander Nikolaevich Benois
- Three views of the fountains at Versailles and Fontainebleau
- one signed in Latin, inscribed Le Grand Trianon l.l., dated 17 VI 1931 l.r. and further inscribed in Latin on reverse; one signed with initials in Latin, inscribed Fontainebleau l.l. and indistinctly dated 12 IX l.r.; one inscribed in Latin and dated 21 X 1924 l.l.
- watercolour and ink over pencil on paper
- 31.5 by 44.5cm, 12 1/4 by 17 1/2 in.; 22 by 26.2cm, 8 1/2 by 10in.; 17 by 32cm, 6 3/4 by 12 1/2 in.
Condition
Le Grand Trianon: the sheet is worn at the edges, there is a small tear to the lefthand edge and some minor tears and nicks to the lower edge. The sheet has discoloured and there are some minor losses to the corners. There is a layer of light surface dirt and some minor spots of media staining. Unframed.
Fontainebleau: there is a pinhole to the top left corner and some light surface dirt. Otherwise in overall good condition. Unframed.
Fountain with archer: The sheet is held down in the centre onto a sheet of card. There is a small loss to the sheet in the lower right corner, a minor repaired tear in the lop left corner, and a layer of light surface dirt. Unframed.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The first view depicts La fontaine du buffet d'eau, Grand Trianon.
'Life near Versailles inspired me deeply. I lived in a state of ecstatic intoxication, as if hypnotised by the gardens in which I found so many things to paint (...) Again I was visited by something like hallucinations, by images of all that had once upon a time taken place here, in these grandiose and poetical surroundings'.