DMITRI SEMENOVICH STELLETSKY | Triptych Screen

Acquired directly from the artist by the mother of the present owner

The work consists of three parts executed on canvas. Each canvas has been lined and is securely attached to a shaped wooden stretcher. The tacking edges of all three canvases have been taped. Left part: the stretcher is protruding in the top corners. There is a crease in the centre of the column at the left edge. Craquelure is visible in places. There is a buckle between the feet of the figure on the left. Areas of restoration are visible to the naked eye: to the arch and ceiling in the upper left, to the left column, across the legs of the figures, to the small wall below the columns, to the bottom edge and to the birds in the lower right. Inspection under UV light confirms the presence of the aforementioned areas of retouching, as well as other areas of retouching elsewhere. Middle part: There are horizontal creases throughout, some of which have cracked in places, as well as further cracks in places. Areas of retouching are visible to the naked eye: to the chest of the figure on the left, to the lower back of the figure on the right and to her dress, to the edges and to the floor below the feet. Inspection under UV light confirms the aforementioned areas of retouching, as well as other areas of retouching elsewhere. Right part: there are horizontal creases throughout, some of which have cracked. Craquelure is visible throughout. Inspection under UV light reveals large areas of retouching to the roof and arch at the top, to the shoulder and chest of the figure on the left, to the neck, thigh and torso of the figure sitting on the right, as well as scattered retouching elsewhere. Unframed.
"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 present lot represents an unusual foray into furniture design for Stelletsky who is known to have decorated interiors through mural painting and large-scale sculptures such as fireplaces. In this rare folding screen, the artist celebrates the merry side of medieval life. The design forms a cohesive image, but as the screen folds, individual scenes appear on each panel. A trio of maidens with garlands in their hair dance across two of the panels, possibly in a springtime ritual, and their rhythmic movements are accompanied by a group of musicians on the left. The bare arms and feet of the figures and their relaxed poses stand in stark contrast to Stelletsky’s more formal courtly interiors. While the exact subject of the present lot is unknown, the red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets suggest the scene is set in medieval Italy or France. Although Stelletsky was famed for his Russian-themed works, his emigration to France sparked a keen interest in the country’s early medieval heritage, leading him to sketch buildings such as Chartres Cathedral and Saint-Pierre in Dreux and the rich collections of the Louvre and Cluny Museum in Paris. Stelletsky’s home in Le Toit at La Napoule was also in close proximity to a number of medieval sites, including nearby Cannes.