- 12
Vladimir Egorovich Makovsky
Estimate
150,000 - 200,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Vladimir Egorovich Makovsky
- Portrait of a Noblewoman
- signed in Cyrillic and dated 1906 t.r.
- oil on panel
- 41.5 by 32.5cm, 16 1/4 by 12 3/4 in.
Provenance
Private Collection, Russia
Sotheby's New York, Russian Art, 15 April 2008, lot 9
Sotheby's New York, Russian Art, 15 April 2008, lot 9
Condition
The panel appears sound, left side is slightly warped. There is some abrasion to the lower right corner. The paint surface is slightly dirty, mostly to the impasto on the clothing of the sitter. UV light reveals area of retouching to the sitter's feet. An opaque layer of varnish prevents further examination. Held in a 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 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."
Catalogue Note
Makovsky’s keenly observed scenes of everyday life are often centred on a single skilfully depicted figure. The artist tended to repeat successful themes with minor variations, so the elegant woman in this composition also appears in the 1909 work Barinya (The State Chuvash Art Museum, Cheboksary).
Makovsky’s ability to depict fleeting expressions of face and gesture was well-known. His subjects were often chosen from amongst the very young or the elderly, in the hope of capturing an unguarded moment. The current lot is a poignant example of Makovsky’s work at the peak of his career, similar to single-figure paintings such as The Sulk (1901, fig.2). His most successful compositions were painted in oil on panels of a particular calibre. Placing his sitters against blank walls, Makovsky offered them centre-stage, expertly using shadows to hint at their inner life.