Narkiz Nikolaevich Bunin

F.Bulgakov, Nashi khudozhniki, St Petersburg, vol.1, 1890 (reprinted 2002), p.66 listed as Prival egerey na manevrakh

The canvas has been laid on a second canvas and the original tacking edges are missing. Craquelure is visible throughout the paint layer. There are frame abrasions at the edges with some corresponding minor paint loss. There is a layer of surface dust and dirt and a thick, discoloured varnish layer. Inspection under UV light reveals retouching throughout the canvas, to the figures, horses trees and around the veranda. Held in an attractive wooden and gilt frame. Unexamined out of frame.
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Halt of the Jaegers on Military Manoeuvres was painted in 1887, the same year that Bunin graduated from the Imperial Academy of Arts and it is likely that the large gold medal he received was for this work, his graduation piece. Alongside his studies at the Academy, Bunin served in the Life Guard Jaegers of Alexander III, the regiment depicted here. Bulgakov lists this painting as being in the collection of Grand Duke Georgiy Mikhailovich, the Tsar's first cousin, who was later appointed director of the Alexander III Museum, now the State Russian Musuem.