Alexei Petrovich Bogoliubov, 1824-1896

Acquired directly from the artist by Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich in 1861

Original canvas. There is a layer of slightly discoloured varnish and light surface dirt. Fine lines of craquelure visible in the sky. Uv light reveals a few very minor spots of retouching and infilling to the craquelure to the sky. The work is in overall good condition. Held in the original gilt wood frame and unexamined out of frame.
"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."

Coastal Scene, Brittany was acquired in 1861 directly from Alexei Bogoliubov by the young Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich (1843-1865) for 300 roubles. Born at Tsarskoe Selo, the eldest son of Tsarevich Alexander Nikolaievich and Maria Alexandrovna had become Tsarevich upon the death of his grandfather, Emperor Nicholas I in 1855.

In the autumn of 1864, the Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich became engaged to Princess Dagmar, the second eldest daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark. Nicholas was thought to be of strong constitution until his health began to fail. He was sent to the South of France, but his health continued to deteriorate and he died on 24 April 1865 in Nice. On his deathbed, Nicholas expressed his wish that his fiancée should become the bride of his younger brother and successor, the new Tsarevich Alexander Alexandrovich and future Alexander III.

 

After the division of Nicholas' estate, Coastal Scene, Brittany passed down to his brother. It was one of many works by Bogoliubov in Alexander's personal collection, which consisted of over 800 works by various masters. This renowned collection was exhibited in the Winter Palace, Anichkov Palace, Alexander Palace in Tsarskoe Selo, Gatchina and Belovezhsky Palaces, during and after the Emperor's reign.

 

Bogoliubov was not only one of the Emperor's favourite artists but also his personal friend. The artist held an important role in the formation of the Emperor's paintings collection, as an advisor and, most importantly, painting the Emperor's frequent commissions. From 1867 to 1870 Bogoliubov also took on the role of personal tutor in painting to Empress Maria Fedorovna.

 

Initially Coastal Scene, Brittany hung in the Anichkov Palace (fig.1) but, in the 1870s, the present canvas was placed in the Dining Room of Alexander Palace in Tsarskoe Selo at the request of the Crown Prince. The Emperor called this room "The Bogoliubov Hall", as he proudly displayed 35 canvases by the master here (fig.2).

Under the influence of Alexei Bogoliubov, Grand Duke Alexander Alexandrovich began to compile an inventory of his own art collection later published as The Catalogue of Paintings Belonging to His Imperial Highness Crown Prince, 1872. The offered lot was listed in the catalogue under number 14 (fig.3). Later the painting was also included in The Catalogue of Paintings of the Alexander Palace dated 1880-90s under 12/14 'Coast View' by A.P.Bogoliubov. The rooms of Emperor Alexander III and Maria Fedorovna in the Alexander Palace were closed in 1931. Most of the personal items, including the offered lot, were placed at the disposal of the State Funds Commission.