- 26
Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich
Estimate
300,000 - 500,000 GBP
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Description
- Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich
- Sanctuaries and Citadels
- signed with the artist's monogram l.l.; further signed with the artist's monogram, dated 1925 and inscribed N.51 on the reverse
- tempera on canvas laid on board
- 65 by 98cm, 25 3/4 by 38 1/2 in.
Provenance
Roerich Museum Collection, 1926-1935
Louis Horch Collection, New York, circa 1935
Collection of Lilias and Orville Prescott, circa 1950
Thence by descent
Christie's New York, Russian Paintings and Works of Art, 18 April 2007, lot 86
Louis Horch Collection, New York, circa 1935
Collection of Lilias and Orville Prescott, circa 1950
Thence by descent
Christie's New York, Russian Paintings and Works of Art, 18 April 2007, lot 86
Literature
F. Grant et al., Roerich. Himalaya, New York: Bretano's, 1926, p.200, illustrated p.28
Roerich Museum Catalogue, 8th ed., New York: Roerich Museum, 1930, p.54 listed as Little Tibet
Roerich Museum Catalogue, 8th ed., New York: Roerich Museum, 1930, p.54 listed as Little Tibet
Condition
The canvas has been laid on board. There is a small area of rubbing to the upper right corner.There are short vertical lines of craquelure in places to the walls of the citadel in the lower section of the canvas. The colours appear fresh. UV light reveals a small area of old retouching to the upper right corner. Some colours fluoresce under UV. Held in a modern 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."
"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
Sanctuaries and Citadels was executed in 1925 and is one of an eponymously titled series made up of 27 paintings, all inspired by Nicholas Roerich’s travels throughout Ladakh in 1925. Roerich set up a base in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and spent three weeks there, visiting the nearby monasteries and temples. Roerich rarely gave specific location titles to works in this series, but it is clear that the monastery depicted in the present lot is Tik-tse, located above the Indus River and outside Leh. 'One does not care to give to the local images any ethnographical or geographical character. Let them go as symbols: "Sanctuaries and Citadels". Let them by their general tone of heroism and attainment, themselves speak for this country.’ (Roerich quoted in F. Grant, et al, Roerich, Himalaya, A Monograph, New York, 1926, p.169)