Alexander Nikolaevich Benois

Estimate

6,000 - 8,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Alexander Nikolaevich Benois
Two Views of Paris: The View from Lady Maxwell Scott's flat and the Musée d'Orsay from the Pont Royal
one dated VII 1933 and inscribed in Latin across the top; signed and inscribed in Latin on reverse; the other signed with initials, inscribed in Latin and dated 13 IV 47 and further inscribed on reverse
watercolour and ink over pencil on paper
31.2 by 42.5cm, 12 1/4 by 16 3/4 in.; 31.3 by 24.2cm, 11 1/4 by 9 1/2 in.

Condition

View from Lady Maxwell Scott's Flat: There are pinholes to the corners and in places along the edges, and a few minor tears. The sheet has discoloured and there is a layer of light surface dirt and some very minor surface scuffs. Unframed. View of the Seine: The sheet has discoloured. There are pinholes to the corners, the edges are worn and there are some minor losses in places. There is 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."

Catalogue Note

Benois first visited France in 1896-7, and it was in Paris that he affirmed for the first time his tastes and style. Eager to discover French culture, Benois availed himself of all the splendours offered by the Louvre, Versailles, the Bibliothèque Nationale and countless Parisian churches and gardens.
A few years later, when Benois realised that his return to Russia was impossible, Paris became the gilded cage of his involuntary exile. This painful realisation deeply affected his creativity; distancing himself from immigrants' circles, he retreated into the joyful memories of his childhood in imperial Russia. He was overwhelmed by the nostalgia for his motherland and strove to recreate a Russian home in his Parisian apartment.
However his fascination with the French capital continued throughout these years. Benois' love of sketching on the streets in Paris provoked an unexpected reaction from a passer-by. He inscribes the present view of the Pont Royal: 'I've just been yelled at by a tramp'.