Nikolai Petrovich Bogdanov-Belsky

Acquired directly from the artist by the family of the previous owner.

Original canvas. There is some light surface dirt, otherwise the painting is in overall good condition. UV light reveals some minor retouching in the lower left corner. Held in a silver painted moulded wood and plaster 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."

Nikolai Bogdanov-Belsky left Russia for Latvia in the autumn of 1921. There he continued his series of depictions of Russian peasant children, but infused with a new sense of vitality. A group of young children are seated around table in an apple orchard on a bright spring day, unaware of the viewer as they enjoy a tea-party. One space is empty, presumably that of their teacher, through whose eyes the scene is seemingly presented to us.

The theme of children drinking tea outdoors is a recurrent one in the artist's oeuvre; however, the offered lot is perhaps one of his most vivid and joyous depictions, characterised by a bright, fresh palette and the sharp contrast of light and dappled shade of the blossoming trees.

In their radiant expressions and modest dress, Bogdanov-Belsky underlines the innocence and spontaneity of his subjects - the qualities which he so admired in peasant children: 'There is something dear to all mankind in this age, those soft facial features, those colourful children's figures. And maybe it's precisely peasant children, unacquainted with city traditions and the uniform grooming that leaves a face devoid of character, which will always appeal and attract attention'.