Ilya Efimovich Repin

The artist's studio, Penates
Sotheby's London, The Russian Sale, 11 June 1997, lot 94 

Moscow, St Petersburg, XXXVI Itinerant Exhibition, 28 February 1907 - 22 April 1908
Rome, Esposizione Internazionale d'Arte, 1911, no.373
Stockholm, Swedish General Art Association, Exhibition of Russian Art, 21 February - 9 March 1919
New York, The Kingore Galleries, The Ilya Repin Exhibition, 1921, no.6

C.Brinton, The Ilya Repin Exhibition catalogue, 1921, listed as North, no.6
I. Grabar, Repin, Moscow, 1948, vol. II, p.295, listed under works for 1908 as Sobaka 'Nord' 
G. Romanov (Ed.), The Society of Itinerant Fine Art Exhibitions: 1871-1923): An Encyclopaedia, St.Petersburg: Sankt-Peterburg Orkestr, 2003 p.333, No.2-226 

Original canvas, which is slightly loose on the stretcher. The paint surface is dirty and there is a layer of uneven discoloured vanish. There is an area of fine craquelure to the right of the dog's head and some chips of paint loss in places, notably to the tail, the hind leg and the right front leg. UV light reveals no apparent retouching. Held in a simple gold painted 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."

Repin's favourite dog, Nord, is seen here near Kuokkala by the shore on the Gulf of Finland.

Please see the online catalogue for a photograph of the offered lot taken by Karl Bulla (1855-1929), one of Russia's leading photographers, who visited Repin at Penates to record the artist at work.