Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky

Acquired by Baron Anton Alftan, St. Petersburg
Private Collection, Finland
Thence by descent

Cupids-Gardeners are two designs by Konstantin Makovsky that the artist created for the famed von Derviz mansion in St Petersburg. Commissioned by the wealthy Baron Sergei Pavlovich von Derviz, they were part of a larger decorative scheme completed during the 1880s and 1890s, at the height of Makovsky's fame. Each allegorical and mythological painting reflects the Parisian rococo revival trend that was prevalent in Europe at the time, and Makovsky had embraced this new style, travelling to Paris frequently to hone his technique.

Prints based on the paintings from the von Derviz mansion, including those of the present works, were published in the journal Niva in 1889 (no.35, p. 869; see also G.Romanov & A.Muratov, Zhivopis Russkogo Salona (1850-1917), St Petersburg, 2004, p.393). In 1907, all of Makovsky’s murals were purchased by Baron Anton Alftan and subsequently exhibited at the Society for Encouragement of the Arts.

We would like to thank Dr Elena Nesterova for providing additional catalogue information.