Natalia Sergeevna Goncharova

Lefebvre-Foinet Collection

The top and bottom edges of the sheet are slightly uneven. There are some minor repaired tears along both edges and a minor repaired paper loss to the upper left corner, all in the margins. There are pin holes along the top and bottom edges, also confined to the margins. Very minor foxing is visible in places. There is a layer of surface dirt and the sheet has discoloured slightly. Held in a simple white wooden frame behind 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."

In addition to Byzantine mosaics, an equally important source of visual inspiration for Goncharova were the brightly coloured clothes and headscarves of Russian peasant women. This is particularly evident in the present textile design, where a pattern which at first sight appears to be composed of bold geometric shapes, on closer inspection turns out to mask delicate motifs of flowers, birds and butterflies, providing a visual analogy of Goncharova's very characteristic marriage of neo-primitivism with Parisian high sophistication.