Alexander Karlovich Beggrov

Acquired by the grandparents of the present owner in Paris in the 1920s

Original canvas. There are frame abrasions at all edges, with minor flecks of paint loss at the lower right corner and with stronger frame indentations to the lower and left edges of the canvas. The varnish has slightly discoloured and the paint surface is dirty. There is a scratch approximately 5cm in length in the lower right corner. There is craquelure in the upper part of the composition. UV light reveals a few areas of retouching to the sky, smaller areas of retouching to the lower section, with further older retouching in the lower left quadrant. There is also retouching to all the edges of the canvas. Held in a wooden gold painted frame. 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."

Beggrov first developed an interest in seascapes during his career as a naval officer. On his first visit to France in 1874, to study painting under the guidance of Alexei Bogoliubov, the artist painted views of several port towns: Le Havre and Le Tréport in Normandy, as well as Concarneau in Brittany. On his return to Russia, Beggrov exhibited with the Itinesants, but the call of the sea was too strong and he left again to command the frigate Svetlana, the subject of a work that now belongs to the Central Naval Museum in St Petersburg. He took this opportunity to return to France and to Concarneau. A work from the following year, The Port of Concarneau, is in the collection of the Saratov State Art Museum.