Evgeny Lanceray (1848-1886), A Ukrainian cart, or Chumak driving oxen

depicting a young boy lying on the back of a cart full of wheat drawn by two oxen, on an ebonized wood base, inscribed with signature, Chopin foundry mark, and Ministry of Finance stamp dated 1870

Acquired by Ambassador Joseph E. Davies in the Soviet Union in the late 1930s
Thence by descent

very good detail and attractive patina; the ebonized wood base with some small losses consistent with age
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Chumaks were Ukrainian peasant traders who used to transport wheat to the Crimea and River Don, returning with salt and fish. Their caravans of hundreds of oxen-driven wagons were a picturesque and frequent sight until railroads replaced their trade routes at the end of the nineteenth century. On this design, see N. Levinson and L. Goncharova, Russkaia khudozhestvennaia bronza, Moscow, 1958, p. 64, no. 54 and L. Dement'eva, Evgenii Lansere. Albom skulpturnykh modelei, Moscow, 2011, pp. 66-67.