Alexander Evgenievich Yakovlev

Sandra Yakovlev, the artist's sister, Paris
Acquired from the above by the parents of the present owner

Dessins et Peintures d'Asie, Croquis et notes de voyage, Paris: Edition Lucien Vogel, 1934

The sheets have been folded vertically down the centre and one of the long edges is rough cut. The sheet has discoloured. There is some staining to the lower corner on two of the sheets. There are some splashes of media staining on the reverse of one of the sheets. There are light handling marks throughout and some wear to the edges and corners. Some of the pencil lines have smudged. Held in simple frames behind Perspex. 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."

INTRODUCTION:

Never before seen on the international market, this collection of works by Alexander Yakovlev was originally owned by the artist's sister, Sandra Yakovlev. Many of the works relate to the Croisière Jaune, an extraordinary expedition across Central Asia and China which established important trade and cultural links between Asia and Western Europe.

One of the highlights of the collection is the superb group of 9 original drawings in charcoal tracing the explorers' itinerary from Lebanon to Peking, which were subsequently published in 1934 by Lucien Vogel in Yakovlev's lavishly illustrated account of the journey. Six works portray the Karakoram mountain range with its spectacular panoramas and include views of Misgar and Beyick. Yakovlev's monumental depiction of its tallest peak, Rakaposhi, is offered as lot 27 in the Important Russian art sale on 20 May 2012. 

Four works in this collection are dedicated to Yakovlev's beloved Mediterranean and include a ravishing view of the port at Calvi.

To be included in the forthcoming Alexander Yakovlev Catalogue raisonné being prepared by Caroline Haardt de La Baume.

The group comprises: Damascus and Palmyra; Baghdad and Kermanshah; A Hunting Falcon, Fighters and a Musician in Tehran and Persian Road; Afghanistan towards Herat and the Turkmens; Bamyan, Ghazni and the Dancers of Mokur; Dancers of the Mir of Hunza, Kashmiri Musicians and Porters from Gilgit; A Polo Game at Misgar and Subashi Kirghiz women in Pamyr; Xinjiang and Turfan; On the Road to China and the Return via Upper Tonkin