Martiros Sarian

St Petersburg, Mir iskusstva, 1913

Oil
Exhibition catalogue Mir iskusstva, St Petersburg, 1913, no.292, 293 or 294, p.19 listed
R.Drampian, Sarian, Moscow: Iskusstvo, 1964, p.101 listed under works from 1913 as V Barfrushe. Etyud
A.Kamensky, Martiros Saryan: Paintings, Watercolours, Drawings, Book Illustrations, Theatrical Design, Connecticut: Sphinx Press; Leningrad: Aurora, 1988, no.120, p.288 listed and illustrated in b/w

Work on paper
M.S. Sarian. Iz moei zhizni, Moscow: Izobrazitelnoe iskusstva, 1990, no.69, p.149 illustrated; p.297 listed
Sh.Khachatarian, Martiros Sarian 1880-1972, Paris: Thalia, 2009, p.124 illustrated; p.125 listed

In Barfroush, Iran The edges of the canvas are slightly frayed in places. There are frame abrasions with minor associated paint loss, particularly at the corners. There is a small scratch with paint loss to the lower left of the horse and rider. Other minor scattered paint chips are visible in places, such as the tree in between the rooftops and the trees to the far right of the composition. There is a layer of surface dirt. Inspection under UV light reveals areas of retouching around the horse and the figure to the far right. Street in Barfroush The sheet has been glued to a second sheet of paper and both sheets have discoloured where the glue has been applied. The left hand edge is perforated. There is a horizontal crease running the width of the sheet below the image which has torn at both edges, particularly on the right. There are other small tears in places at the left and right edges and an area of paper loss to the right of the signature. Minor flecks of dirt are visible in places.
"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 two studies in this lot date from Sarian's 1913 trip to Persia. The preparatory study in pencil served as a basis for the composition of the oil and gives us a unique insight into Sarian's working method at this time. Sarian depicts a street scene in Barfrush, present day Babol, which is located near the southern shores of the Caspian Sea.