Lado Davidovich Gudiashvili

Collection of Pierre Worms, Gudiashvili's friend and art dealer in Paris
Acquired from his widow by the present owner in 1997

Paris, Galerie Billiet, Quelques dessins de Lado Goudiachvili, artiste de Géorgie soviétique, June - July 1935

The sheet is sound. There are some minor spots of foxing, and the paper is slightly buckled at center. There is some discoloration at the lower center and some small stains. There is a crease at the upper center edge. Held in a gold painted wood frame and under glass. 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."

The present work comes from Gudiashvili’s 1931 series of illustrations inspired by Raphael Eristavi’s celebrated work Tandila’s Sadness of 1882. The Dream of Tandila from the same series by Gudiashvili is part of the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Tbilisi. Nineteenth century Georgian poet and playwright Raphael Eristavi remains widely popular today. He was an influential figure in Georgian literary and intellectual circles, especially in the Tergdaleulebi in the 1860s and 1870s, and is considered a campaigner for the plight of the Georgian peasantry. He played an important role in the development of Georgian ethnography and published many reference books and dictionaries on the Georgian language.

Influences of Persian miniature are seen alongside those of Georgian culture in this work. The relationships between man, animal and the symbol of vineyard are at the heart of Georgian mythology. The stylised representation of the figures and the sharp and brilliant lines make this an outstanding work by the artist.

We would like to thank Jacques Ranc for providing this catalogue note.