Sergei Yurievich Sudeikin

Collection of James Theakston (1866-1932)
Thence by descent to Zoia Theakston
Sotheby's London, The Russian Sale, 1 December 2005, lot 73

The metal sheet is sound. There are light abrasions along the edges of the work. There is a line of minor paint loss to the lower middle of the work, a small fleck to the lower left corner and to the string of the kite. UV light reveals minor retouching to the upper and lower right corners. Held in a 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."

James Theakston, the son of a Yorkshire brewer who emigrated to Russia in the 19th century, was born in St Petersburg in 1866. A successful businessman and keen collector, Theakston sought out close friendships with contemporary artists in St Petersburg and continued to maintain relations with Russian artists in emigration after the Revolution. The original collection included an important work by Levitan which remained in Russia, and paintings by Sergei Vinogradov, Konstantin Somov, Konstantin Yuon and a second work by Sergei Sudeikin, which was illustrated in Zhar-Ptitsa in 1921.