Abraham Manievich

Arthur Horvatt, Geneva

Paris, Galerie Durand-Ruel, Exposition Manievich,  February 26 - March 15, 1913, no. 3, Soleil de Printemps

G.Mourey, Catalogue des Peintures de Abraham Manievitch,  Galerie Durand-Ruel, Paris, 1913. no.3
E.A.T., 'Studio Talk', International Studio, 49, no. 196, June, 1913: illustrated p.324

Original canvas. There is some light surface dirt and craquelure in places throughout. Otherwise in good condition. Some pigments fluouresce under UV but there are no apparent signs of retouching. Held in a simple gold painted wooden 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."

Early Spring was a major work in Manievich's solo exhibition at Galerie Durand-Ruel in Paris in 1913.  The exhibition was Manievich's second solo show and introduced his work to an international audience; the June 1913 issue of International Studio featured a review that included a reproduction of the offered lot, and the exhibition was reviewed for Russian language newspapers in Kiev, St. Petersburg and Vilnius by Anatole Lunacharsky and Ilya Ehrenburg.  Manievich's first solo show at the Kiev City Museum in 1909-19 firmly established his reputation and the museum subsequently acquired one of his works for its collection.

Painted circa 1911 in what appears to be a public space or park within the city of Kiev, Early Spring was one of thirteen Manievich paintings owned by the Geneva collector Arthur Horvatt included in the Durand-Ruel exhibition. The brilliant light and dazzling colour are characteristic of the artist's best work from this period, as is the imposing tree which is a signature Manievich compositional device.  The elegant, complex network of branches and shadows are described in short, thick brushstrokes which recall the landscapes of the great Secessionist painter, Gustav Klimt.  The simple wooden bench with its reclining back might be interpreted as a subtle suggestion of leisure and the Modern age.

We are grateful to Alan Pensler for providing additional cataloguing information.