Evgeni Alexandrovich Lanceray, 1848-1886

In apparent very 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."

Tsar'grad is Slavonic for "Czar's City", or Constantinople (later Turkish Istanbul) and was founded by Constantine the Great in 330 AD on the site of Byzantium.  The Slavs repeatedly strove to capture this gateway to the Mediterranean and the statuette represents Svyatoslav I, Prince of Kiev, leading his troop to that end.  We can see the Prince's formidable weaponry, his armour and helmet on the horse's withers. The horse's excitement, facial expression, spiky wind-blown mane add to an intimidating spectacle.  However Svyatoslav failed the mission and was killed in 972.  

This was Lanceray's last major work and was exhibited at the time of his death in 1886.  In 1928 his widow gave two waxes to the Russian Museum, St. Petersburg and to-day several Russian museums hold casts by well-known foundries.  A picture of the group serves as Lanceray's logo just as the "Broncho Buster" does for Remington.  Numerous Russian publications contain descriptions, ten of which are listed in Lanceray, le sculpteur russe du cheval, Sudbury, G.W., published in French, 2006, ISBN 2-8289-0860-7