- 332
Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky
Estimate
180,000 - 220,000 GBP
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Description
- A Moonlit Night at Sea
- signed in Latin and dated 1885 l.l.; further signed and dated on the reverse
- oil on canvas
- 83 by 135cm, 32 3/4 by 53 1/4 in.
Provenance
Oleg Olegovich Pantuhoff, United States, 1950s
Thence by descent
Thence by descent
Condition
The canvas is lined with a wax-like film.
UV light reveals areas of retouching scattered throughout, especially the left, top, and right edges; there are two horizontal line from the top middle and top right that are several centimetres long and a third one in the lower right corner approximately 18 centimetres long, which may correspond with a tear. Held in a 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
The moon frequently features in Aivazovsky’s works, adding an intense amount of drama to his darker, more monotone seascapes. In the present work, the moon itself is hidden behind ominous clouds but its cool light illuminates the beach to reveal a small boat washed ashore and two steamships in the background. This masterwork is a stunning example of Aivazovsky’s adept talent in depicting light.
A Moonlit Night at Sea was originally in the collection of Oleg Olegovich Pantuhoff, who worked as a Russian translator for President Eisenhower during World War II. Part of his collection was donated to the New York Public Library. His father, Oleg Ivanovich Pantuhoff, founded the Russian Boy Scouts in 1909.
A Moonlit Night at Sea was originally in the collection of Oleg Olegovich Pantuhoff, who worked as a Russian translator for President Eisenhower during World War II. Part of his collection was donated to the New York Public Library. His father, Oleg Ivanovich Pantuhoff, founded the Russian Boy Scouts in 1909.
The present work is included in the numbered archive of the artist’s work compiled by Gianni Caffiero and Ivan Samarine.