S/O Benois Collection

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Lot 889
  • 889

Alexander Nikolaevich Benois

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description

  • Alexander Nikolaevich Benois
  • Three Alpine Views

  • one dated 11 VIII 1938 l.r., dated and indistinctly inscribed l.l.; one dated 13 VIII 1936 l.m. and further inscribed and dated on reverse; one dated 28 VII 1936 7h l.r.; all stamped with inventory stamp on reverse

     

  • watercolour over pencil on paper
  • 35 by 52cm, 13 3/4 by 20 1/2 in.; 23.2 by 32cm, 9 1/4 by 12 1/2 in.; 31.4 by 24.7cm, 12 1/4 by 9 3/4 in.

Condition

Alpine Village in Early Evening: the sheet has discoloured, the corners are worn and there is creasing and light surface dirt throughout. Unframed. Lake Lucerne 28 VII 1936: The sheet is slightly discoloured and there is some minor wear and paint loss to the left edge. Unframed. Lake Lucerne 13 VIII 1936: The sheet is slightly undulated towards the edges, there are pinholes to the corners 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."

Catalogue Note

Including two views of lake Lucerne.

Throughout his life, Benois travelled extensively within the Alpine regions of Switzerland, Austria and Italy. He felt a strong affection for Switzerland in particular, having visited Lucerne, Anderlach and Lugano on his honeymoon in 1894. In his memoirs he recalls 'drinking coffee and watching the sun sparkling gaily on small round windowpanes' in Anderlach and even went so far as to declare that: 'The 'real' Italy appeared to us far less charming than... Swiss Italy.' (A.Benois, Memoirs Vol II, Trans M.Budberg, 1964, pp. 114-115). Lugano was to become a favourite holiday destination for Benois and his family. He wrote fondly of Lugano's 'soft and even climate... the enchanting forests and the air... and the inhabitants themselves combining the best aspects of Swiss and Italian culture.' (Quoted in J.Bowlt, Theatre of Reason, Theatre of Desire: The Art of Alexandre Benois and Leon Bakst, Thyssen-Bornemisza Foundation, 1998, p. 94). Benois flourished in these surroundings, enabling him to produce some of his most striking landscapes over the course of many visits.