Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky

Sale: Drouot Montaigne, Paris, Art Russe Impérial et Post-Révolutionnaire, April 23, 1989, lot 46, illustrated
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

This painting has been recently restored and should be hung as is. The canvas has been lined and the paint layer is stable and well supported. Under ultraviolet light there are two isolated areas of retouching visible above the trees, another in the blue sky in the upper right, a few spots of retouching to the large cloud and a few other spots in the upper left corner. In the landscape and foreground there is a spot of retouch in the hills on the far right and a few tiny dots beneath the oxen pulling the cart. The painting seems to be in very fresh state; the colors are well preserved. The shadowed area in the trees in the lower center and lower right is thinly painted and this area could arguably be retouched a little more here, but the painting could also be hung as is. 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.
"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."

Aivazovsky was deeply attached to his native Crimea, and after studying at the St. Petersburg Academy he returned home to perfect his painterly technique. Though he went on to receive immense recognition, exhibiting throughout Europe and beyond, Aivazovsky repeatedly came back to his depictions of the region which he executed both en plein air and from memory. In 1846 he settled in Theodosia more permanently, choosing warm weather and familiar environs over the bustling life of St. Petersburg. He established himself as an important figurehead within the community by helping to fund civic projects, schools and museums.

The present lot may be counted among the artist's most charming Crimean scenes. Aivazovsky exquisitely captures the atmosphere of the diverse landscape with his warm and airy palette.