Leopold Survage

Paris, Galerie Zlotowski, Léopold Survage, 3 October - 29 November 2003

Léopold Survage exhibition catalogue, Paris: Galerie Zlotowski, 2003

The canvas has been lined. There is a layer of surfac dirt and discoloured varnish. Fine lines of craquelure in places. Uv light reveals areas of retouching throughout. Held in a painted 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."

Executed in 1921.

Leopold Survage studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. By 1906 he was closely tied to Zolotoye runo (Golden Fleece). He maintained close relations and exhibited with artists such as Archipenko, the Burliuk brothers, Larionov, and Goncharova. In 1909 he settled in Paris where he made contact with Henri Matisse, amongst other innovative artists.

Survage exhibited with the Knave of Diamonds in Moscow in 1910, and in 1911 at the Paris Salon d'Automne. The 1930 exhibition titled Painting in Paris at the Museum of Modern Art in New York introduced him to the American public as one of the leading artists of his time.

Survage is celebrated for conveying a certain musicality in his paintings. In 1912-13 he invented "Le Rythme Coloré," an abstract film concept which never came into fruition due to a lack of funds. Like Kandinsky, Survage was a true pioneer of abstract art.