Nikolai Alexandrovich Yaroshenko

The canvas has been lined. The picture is clean and ready to hang. UV light reveals spot of retouching to the sitter and elsewhere. Held in a modern gold painted 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."

Nikolai Alexandrovich Yaroshenko was destined for a military career from a very early age. Born into a military family in Poltava, he attended numerous military schools and academies, and graduated as the best student of the Mikhailovsky Artillery Academy.  A talented and capable officer, he was nonetheless able to combine his martial employment with a truly artistic vocation.  He attended Kramskoi's drawing classes under the auspices of the Society for the Encouragement of Artists, and later became a part-time student at the Academy of Arts.

 

The artist forged close links with Kramskoi, following him into the Wanderers' movement.  Yaroshenko was one of the most typical Peredvizhniki artists, but he still retained a unique quality, and on his mentor's death in 1887, Nikolai Alexandrovich succeeded him as the association's ideologue.  Minchenkov wrote of him that "he was a great liberal, philosopher and artist, and soldier..." and this is born out by his friendship with various liberal and left wing intellectuals. At his renowned 'Yaroshenko Saturdays', democrat acquaintances would gather and discuss their favourite issues.

 

Yaroshenko's works tended to be either on social subjects, or sensitive portraits of his intellectual friends and colleagues. This self-portrait in his undress frock coat reflects his status in society – he had retired as a Major General at only 46.  However, the lack of adornment reveals his egalitarian principles, and for all that he is still handsome, there is a reflective aspect to his face that is missing from his dashing younger self.  His successful military career over, his promising artistic career was cut short by his untimely death at the age of 52.  Therefore the offered lot not only represents a rare, and finely executed exception from Yaroshenko's oeuvre, it also embodies the artist in all his complexity, and at the height of his achievement.