- 5
Konstantin Egorovich Makovsky
Estimate
150,000 - 200,000 GBP
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Description
- Konstantin Makovsky
- the young boyarina
- signed in Latin m.r.
- oil on canvas
- 60 by 50cm., 23 1/2 by 19 3/4 in.
Condition
Original canvas which is slightly undulated to the sitter's kokoshnik. There is a faint horizontal stretcher mark to the top of the canvas. There are a few faint lines of craquelure in places. The paint surface is a little thin in places, notably to the right side of the sitter's face, possibly as a result of over cleaning. UV light reveals a few patches of retouching to the background. Otherwise the picture is in good overall condition and ready to hang. Held in a 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This fine genre portrait demonstrates Konstantin Makovsky's art at its most skillful, revealing his great sensitivity towards detail and colour. The artist seems to revel in the luxury of the sitter's costume, with her pearl-encrusted kokoshnik and richly-embroidered dress. The formality suggested by her official attire is countered by an intimacy conveyed in the young Boyarina's candid demeanour.
In Makovsky's large and varied oeuvre, paintings celebrating the Boyar roots of the Russian aristocracy were amongst the most admired and sought after. During a period of history which saw the traditional structure of Russian society change dramatically these works evoked the romance, colour, and extravagance of a lost and untouchable age.