- 129
An ivory veneered sculpture of the Narvsky Gates, late 19th - early 20th century
Estimate
18,000 - 25,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- sculpture with base: 42.5 by 41.5 by 23.5cm., 16¾ by 16¼ by 9¼in; without base: 33 by 32 by 13.5cm., 13 by 12½ by 5¼in
the Gates surmounted with a carved figure of Victory driving a team of six horses, the upper and lower plinths mounted with similar sculptural figures painted in black, the pillars carved with acanthus leaves, the inner arch chased with rectangular panels, the upper section applied with presentation plaques, the whole on a later wooden stepped plinth
Condition
Some minor wear to the black paintwork. In apparent good condition.
"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
The wave of patriotic feelings after the victory over the French in the Napoleonic wars was reflected in the architecture in St. Petersburg at the time. In 1814 a temporary wooden Triumphal Gate was constructed by Giacomo Quarenghi (1744-1817). The single-span arch, crowned with a Chariot of Victory with six horses and lavishly decorated with sculptures by Ivan Terebenev (1780 - 1815) was designed for victorious troops to pass under on their way home. In 1834 the arch was rebuilt by Vasily Stasov (1769-1848) in stone with the same design but was placed on another spot.