Nikolai Egorovich Sverchkov

Noble Russian Collection
Sotheby's London, The Russian Sale, 14 December 1995, lot 171

The canvas has been lined. There are light abrasions around the edges, mainly to the upper edge with associated minor paint loss and rubbings. There are small areas of paint loss to the sky, concentrated in the middle. There are small areas of paint loss to the lower middle, the brown steed with further spots to the right and in palces elsewhere. The varnish has slightly discoloured. There are media stains to the lower left and spots of dirt in places. UV light reveals XXXX. Held in a gold painted frame with some losses to the mouldings. 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."

Considered the most talented Russian equine painter of his day, Nikolai Sverchkov was often referred to by his contemporaries as the 'Bard of the Russian Troika'.  This unusually large-scale depiction of a wealthy merchant and his beloved driving through a snow-covered expanse at sunset is an exceptionally fine example of his work.   

The golden amber and bright pink in the sky form a striking juxtaposition with the cool greys and browns in the landscape. These hues echo throughout the composition as highlights on the frozen ground and in the ruddy complexions of the troika driver and his passengers, a technique the artist used to great effect in The Winter Road. Return from the Hunt (Nizhnii Novgorod Fine Arts Museum). An Academician by 1852, Sverchkov was additionally awarded the Légion d'honneur in 1863 for his canvas Return from the Bear Hunt, which was subsequently acquired by Napoleon III.

The reverse of the frame bears an original label from the St Petersburg framers, A.Gesèle, based on Nevsky Prospekt since 1882.