- 833
Alexander Nikolaevich Benois
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- Alexander Nikolaevich Benois
- Three set designs for Boris Godunov
- two signed and inscribed variously in Latin; one dated 6 III 1907 on reverse; one stamped with inventory stamp on reverse
- watercolour over pencil on paper, one with ink
- 31.5 by 48cm, 12 1/4 by 19in.; 20 by 28.5cm, 8 by 11 1/4 in.; 14 by 20.5cm, 5 1/2 by 8in.
Condition
Exterior of castle by night: the lower edge of the sheet is folded over. The sheet is held down lightly to another sheet in the upper corners. There is a layer of light surface dirt . Otherwise in overall good condition. Unframed.
Interior in red: There are pinholes to the corners of the sheet. There is a layer of light surface dirt. The upper edge of the sheet is roughcut. There are some very minor surface scuffs in the lower half. Mounted, unframed.
Backdrop in green and blue: there are pinholes to the upper corners and nicks to some of the edges. The corners are worn, the sheet discoloured and there are handling marks and creases throughout. There is some 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
Sergei Diaghilev's 1908 production of Boris Godunov in Paris was an ambitious project undertaken with the support of Grand Duke Vladimir. This was the first time Diaghilev's company performed a Russian work in a foreign city, and was described by Benois as 'a sort of dress rehearsal for all that was to follow... we used to return to the hotel at one o'clock, half-dead with fatigue; yet we thoroughly enjoyed all this work which was so new to us, and were sad to think it would soon be over.' (A.Benois, Reminiscences of the Russian Ballet, London, Putnam, 1945, p. 270).