Konstantin Alexeevich Korovin and Alexei Konstantinovich Korovin

Acquired by the grandfather of the present owner in the 1930s
Thence by descent

Structural Condition The canvas is unlined on what would certainly appear to be the original wooden keyed stretcher and this is ensuring an even and secure structural support. Paint surface The paint surface has an obvious layer of surface dirt and would undoubtedly be transformed by cleaning. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows no evidence of any retouching. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in excellent and stable condition and should respond extremely well to cleaning and revarnishing. The above report has been provided by Hamish Dewar of 14 Mason's Yard, London SW1Y 6BU Tel. 020 7930 4004 email hamish@hamishdewar.co.uk
"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."

With its rich and vibrant palette, the offered lot is exemplary of the Russian impressionist tradition, a genuine hymn to joy and beauty, brilliantly depicting nature's colourful and bountiful harvest. The confident brushwork imbues the entire composition with presence and intensity. Korovin worked in bright light in an attempt to capture the way in which it modified and intensified colour and the use of pure colour, full forms and the velvety surface of the materials evoke the work of Paul Cézanne, whose paintings were an enduring influence on the artist and Russian impressionism.

The composition is striking in its vertiginous layout. The viewer's eye is drawn upwards along the strong vertical lines of the wooden planks towards the abundance of fruit, which seems to cascade over the top edge of the canvas. The surrounding lush green foliage, executed in a freer, dynamic hand, brings the fruit into sharp relief, creating a dramatic contrast with the reddish-bronze of the leaves which have tumbled into the foreground and the crimson in the pomegranate.