- 50
Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev
- Costume design for Grusha in The Power of the Fiend
- signed in Cyrillic and dated 1919 l.r.; further inscribed in Cyrillic t.l. and on the reverse
- watercolour over pencil on paper
- 33.5 by 21cm, 13 1/4 by 8 1/4 in.
Provenance
Collection of Fedor Chaliapin (1873-1938)
Sotheby's London, Russian Pictures, 22 May 2002, lot 66
Sotheby's London, Russian Pictures, 22 May 2002, lot 66
Condition
The sheet has slightly discoloured and has handling marks and some light surface dirt, notably towards the edges. There are spots and lines of dirt in places elsewhere. 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 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."
Catalogue Note
The Power of the Fiend is an opera by Alexander Serov based on the Ostrovsky play Live Not as You Would Like To. In 1920 the opera singer Fedor Chaliapin approached Kustodiev to produce the designs for a production which was to be staged at the former Mariinsky theatre. The artist agreed on condition that Chaliapin pose for his portrait in return. By the time of Chaliapin's performance the theatre had no money to pay him so he accepted a fur coat in lieu, previously confiscated from a wealthy citizen by the state. Thus was born one of the most famous Russian portraits of the early 20th century.
The events of the Power of the Fiend take place in Moscow at the end of the 18th century during Maslenitsa. Ilya is the character of the well-to-do merchant and Grusha is the daughter of the innkeeper Spiridonovna.
The events of the Power of the Fiend take place in Moscow at the end of the 18th century during Maslenitsa. Ilya is the character of the well-to-do merchant and Grusha is the daughter of the innkeeper Spiridonovna.