Konstantin Andreevich Somov

The Nolde Family Collection

Original canvas. There is some abrasion to the paint surface on the sitter's jacket and the varnish has discoloured. UV light reveals an uneven layer of opaque varnish, which prevents a more conclusive examination. Held in 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."

In 1928, Konstantin Somov was invited to Chateau des Touches, the residence of the eminent Russian lawyer and Diplomat, Baron Boris Emmanuilovich Nolde (1876-1948) to paint a series of portraits of his family, including  his wife, Anna, and their sons, Emmanuel and Boris (1903-1987), who is depicted in the offered lot.

Nolde's family had left Russia in 1919, arriving in France a year later. Their estate just North of the Loire was run in a traditional Russian way as Somov remarked enthusiastically in a letter of 1929, 'Here, we lived a real Russian life, a landlord's life... complete freedom. And an ancient, neglected Russian park.'

Boris, Nolde's eldest son, studied at the École Polytechnique and graduated as shipbuilding engineer in 1927, before changing to work in insurance.

Somov has chosen to represent Boris in a traditional pose, and a Realist manner which underscores the sitter's character as well as displaying the artist's skill for society portraiture.