Henri Ippolitovich Semiradsky, 1843-1902

The Collection of Mr. Ivashev ,1890

F.I.Bulgakov, Nashi khudozhniki, St. Petersburg: Tipografiya A.S.Suvorina, 1890, vol II, p.153

The following condition report has been supplied by: Hamish Dewar Ltd, Fine Art Conservation, 14 Mason's Yard, Duke Street St James's, London SW1Y 6BU tel + 44 (0)20 7930 4004, fax + 44 (0)20 7930 4100, hamish@hamishdewar.co.uk www.hamishdewar.co.uk The canvas is even and stable and providing a sound structural support and while it was not possible to view the reverse of the canvas it would appear to have been lined. The paint surface has a slightly uneven varnish layer and inspection under ultra-violet light would suggest that the varnish layers have discoloured and cleaning would be beneficial. This is certainly not, however, required for reasons of conservation. Inspection under ultra-violet light was difficult due to the size of the painting but it would appear that only a few comparatively small, scattered retouchings have been applied in the past. There is a thin diagonal line, approximately 12 cms in length, running through the crouching figure in the lower right of the composition and areas in the dark pigment in the lower left of the composition. There are other small, scattered retouchings. Due to the size and inaccessibility of the painting the precise condition is difficult to assess but it certainly would appear that the painting is in good and stable condition and while no further work is required for reasons of conservation, cleaning, restoration and revarnishing could be considered and I am sure would be found to be worthwhile.
"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."

Henri Semiradsky is one of Russia's finest 19^th century Academic painters who epitomised the traditional values of the Imperial Academy of Arts when many artists were rebelling against them. He also gained recognition outside Russia and his paintings were shown frequently at the Salons of Europe. He excelled at huge compositions based on episodes from early church history and genre paintings celebrating the life of the Ancients.

Semiradsky won a seven year scholarship from the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts in 1872 to study abroad and settled in Rome. One of his first compositions painted in Italy, Christ and the Sinner (1873) was acquired by Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich and now hangs in the Museum of Alexander III, St. Petersburg (Marble Palace). Later he painted what was to be his most celebrated work, The Christian Martyrs depicting Christian crucifixions in the time of Emperor Nero. This painting gained him a professorship at the Imperial Academy and was exhibited at the Paris International Exhibition to wide acclaim.

The offered work depicts Roman soldiers arriving at the entrance to the catacombs. The early Christians used the catacombs as meeting places in which to worship as well as tombs to bury their dead, a tradition opposed to the Roman rites of cremation. It was not until the reign of Emperor Constantine in 313AD that Christians were able to erect churches and assemble in public without fear of persecution.

Late 19^th century academic religious painting in Russia often focussed on subjects promoting the ideals of self-sacrifice and suffering. Other Russian artists to paint such themes were notably Konstantin Flavitsky (1830-66) for his Christian Martyrs in the Coliseum and Vasili Polenov (1844-1927) Caesar's Entertainment, 1879.