Alexei Petrovich Bogoliubov, 1824-1896

Sotheby's, 29 March 1957 Lot 68

St. Petersburg, Moscow et al. XXV Wanderers' Exhibition, 2 March 1897 - 11 Jan 1898, No. 3-19

G.B.Romanov, Tovarischestvo peredvizhnikh khudozhestvennykh vystavok: 1871-1923, Sankt-Peterburg Orkestr: St. Petersburg, 2003, p.186 (illustrated)

The canvas has been lined.The paint surface is quite dirty and there is a layer of discloured varnish. Examination under uv reveals retouching to the corners and elsewhere. The inscriptions appear to partially sit on top of the varnish. Held in an elaborate gold painted plaster frame. 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."

The armoured cruiser Pamyat' Azova was built in Baltiisky shipyard in 1886 as a replacement for the Azov, whose crew had distinguished themselves under Captain Mikhail Lazarev during the battle of Navarin Bay in 1827. The Azov had subsequently been the first battleship to earn the right to fly the St. George's ensign, an honour passed on to the Pamyat' Azova, which had the ensign adorning its prow. Indeed, this decoration had been painted by Alexei Bogoliubov himself in his position as Chief Artist of the Russian Navy.
At over 117 metres in length Pamyat' Azova was an impressive vessel, armed with 3 torpedo launchers and with a top speed of 16.8 knots. In 1890-91, she carried the Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich, the future Tsar Nicholas II, on a round-the-world voyage via the Mediterranean and Suez Canal to India and Japan. Tsar Alexander III had intended the grand tour as an education in diplomacy for his son and an opportunity for Nicholas to put aside his affections for Mathilde Kschessinska, a dancer in the Imperial Ballet with whom the Tsarevich had become quite infatuated. The tour was marred by an alarming attempt on Nicholas' life in the Japanese town of Otsu. Although the future Tsar escaped unharmed, he was ordered to return home immediately.
The offered lot depicts the arrival of the pilots on a steamer, who would board the vessel and guide her into the harbour.