Property from a Private Collection, Canada
Bogatyr (Ilya Muromets): A bronze figural group, after the model by Evgeny Lanceray, cast by Chopin, St Petersburg, circa 1885
Auction Closed
November 25, 06:21 PM GMT
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
modelled with the mythical bogatyr Ilya Morumets astride his war horse, both with their heads tilted downwards, Ilya clutching a military flag, wearing a helmet and chainmail armor beneath a scroll-embroidered overcoat, his quiver, bow and sword at his side, inscribed in Cyrillic F. Chopin, E. Lansere 1885
height 76 cm; 30 in.
Evgeni Lanceray’s Bogatyr (1885) belongs to a group of artistic depictions of Ilya Muromets which also includes the monumental painting The Knight at the Crossroads by Viktor Vasnetsov (1882, presently in the collection of the State Russian Museum, Saint Petersburg). This impressive bronze captures Ilya Muromets caught in the dramatic moment of choosing his uncompromising destiny: “If I go to the right, I will be rich; if I go to the left, I will be married; if I go straight ahead, I will be killed…” The hero chooses the last option; faithful to his calling, he chooses freedom and dignity over the fleeting pleasures of mortal life.
The Russian Revival style of the late 19th century rediscovered the heritage of traditional myth and fable. Bogatyrs, the legendary heroes, were among the most popular subject to recreate in bronze.
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