Yuri Pavlovich Annenkov

A gift from the artist to Dr Adolphe Simkoff, Paris
Thence by descent

There are pinholes along the edges. There is bubbling to the white pigment in the centre and along the right edge. There is a minor stain in the top right corner. There are surface scratches in places. There is a light layer of surface dirt and spots of dirt in places. Held in a simple 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 his memoirs, Annenkov recalls: 'In Paris in 1931 Nikita Balieff, the founder of the theatre Letuchaya Mysh' [La Chauve-Souris], approached me with a commission for the set and costume designs (11 paintings!) for The Queen of Spades. It was to be adapted for the theatre in French under the guidance of Fedor Komissarzhevsky. It premiered at the Theatre de la Madeleine with an international tour to follow...and received rapturous praise, especially in London' (Dnevnik moikh vstrech: Tsikl tragediy, Leningrad: Iskusstvo, 1991, p.7).

The present work comes from the collection of Adolphe Simkoff (1889-1972), a doctor and prominent figure in Russian émigré circles in Paris. A graduate of the University of St Petersburg, Simkoff practiced for many years at the Foyer des Israélites Réfugiés (Home for Jewish Refugees). In 1933 he was awarded the Légion d'honneur in recognition of his distinguished service during World War I. His patients included a number of artists from whom he is said to have accepted paintings in lieu of payment.