Alexei Petrovich Bogoliubov, 1824-1896

The canvas has been lined. There is a layer of surface dirt and discoloured varnish. THere are lines of craquelure throughout and abrasion to the edges and corners, with a few minor chips of paintloss along the edges. Examination under uv reveals small patches of retouching in places to the sky and elsewhere and some infilling to the craquelure. 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 Livadia was built at Nikolaevsk in 1869 under the supervision of L. G. Shvede, head of the Naval Engineering branch. It replaced the ageing steamship Tigr, which was unfit for the demands placed on it each summer by the Imperial family. With interiors by Monighetti, the new steam yacht was more luxurious than Derzhava. Livadia joined the Black Sea Fleet in 1873, and was immediately transported the Imperial family from Sebastopol to Yalta. In 1874 it cruised the Mediterranean and proved its superior sea-going characteristics in a heavy storm. It is unique among Imperial yachts for its active war service, fighting in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. It sank a Turkish ship, and narrowly escaped two pursuing Turkish ironclads.

Bogoliubov's canvas shows the Livadia, complete down to the Imperial armorials on the paddle-wheel, dangerously close to land. On the night of 21 October 1878 during a cruise between Sebastopol and Odessa, Livadia ran aground on a reef off the Tarkhankutsk lighthouse in Western Crimea. The Imperial yacht proved impossible to recover. Against a threatening sky and translucent surf, the artist captures in great detail the desperate activity as sailors make the lifeboats ready, and the quiet disbelief of a group at the bows.