S/O Benois Collection

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Lot 859
  • 859

Alexander Nikolaevich Benois

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Alexander Nikolaevich Benois
  • Two Views of Cassis

  • one signed in Latin and dated Cassis sur mer 1931 l.r., the other signed in Latin l.r. and inscibed The little house where we stayed in 1932 in Cassis sur mer l.l.; further signed, titled and dated on the reverse

  • watercolour over pencil on paper
  • 30 by 44cm, 11 3/4 by 17 1/4 in.; 45 by 61.7cm, 16 by 24 1/4 in.

Condition

Watercolor and pencil on paper. House with Ladder: There is a small crease in the lower left corner and a small tear in the upper right corner. There are some very minor scattered stains. Landscape: In overall fine condition. Both framed under glass and with matte in wood 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."

Catalogue Note

One of Benois' first visits to the South of France was in 1914, when he travelled with Maurice Ravel to St Jean-de-Luz in Biarritz, half a mile from Ravel's native town of Ciboure. However, the outbreak of war cut short this visit and Benois would not return to the region until 1927, following his definitive emigration to France.

Every year for the next decade, from July to September, the Benois family would usually rent a large property, such as villa Roustand or villa Maurel, for their two daughters , Hélène and Anna, Anna's husband, Georges Tcherkessof and their three children, and a smaller, neighbouring villa for Alexander and his wife. It was here that they would entertain friends and family, such as the Lancerays and Serebriakovs, who were regular visitors during the summer months.

Benois loved to sketch in Cassis, and could often be seen wandering with a sketchbook in one hand and a folding chair in the other.  Each day he would draw for two to three hours en plein air, and return home to complete his watercolours from memory.

The following watercolour views are lovingly painted records of the Benois family's visits to Cassis and underscore the artist's love of its countryside and coastal landscapes.