Vladimir Egorovich Makovsky

Private Collection, Russia

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The panel is un-reinforced. The paint layer is stable. It is slightly dirty and the varnish has yellowed a bit. There are no damages or retouches and it could be hung as is but would respond well to cleaning. The frame is also in good condition.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Vladimir Egorovich Makovsky is best known for his highly original and keenly observed scenes of daily life.  His oeuvre is representative of his expansive knowledge of different social classes, from the lofty to the most commonplace: the highest of dignitaries, mundane flea market goers, or habitual tavern visitors all find voice in his compositions.

Makovsky often focused his talents on single-figure works, skillfully placing heroes in archetypal battle scenes, while emphasizing the distinctive features of his models.  He often depicted the elderly, their experience and maturity served as a rich source of inspiration.  From the kind-hearted to the melancholic and glum, Makovsky's figures often appear either ebullient or burdened by the harshness of their fate.  Makovsky often repeated themes he deemed successful with minor variations.  The elegant elderly woman in this composition, for example, also appears within a different interior in Barinya (Noblewoman) in 1909 (State Chuvash Art Museum, Cheboksary) suggesting both a thematic and narrative link.