Yuri Pavlovich Annenkov

Marie Gromtseff, personal assistant of the artist and wardrobe mistress for Lola Montès
Thence by descent

The sheet has slightly discoloured. There are creases throughout, including some vertical creases running down the sheet to the left of centre. There are some small repaired tears to the left and right hand edges, and some handling marks and minor pinholes to the edges. Held in a black and silver painted wooden frame behind plaxiglass. 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."

Annenkov’s collaboration with the director Max Ophüls reached its peak in the film Lola Montès. Ophüls asked the artist to 'draw faces, expressions, types of living men, so I can get to know my future film heroes'. Annenkov completed multiple portraits and sketches for the director: 'I combined the job of costume and set designer. It was exciting'. (G.Annenkov, Max Ophüls, Paris, 1962). In the film, the courtesan Lola seduces and then abandons the composers Franz Liszt and Frederic Chopin, and then King Ludwig of Bavaria before playing the final role of her life, as a performer in the circus.