Vasily Nikolaevich Yakovlev

Kombinant zhivopisnogo iskusstva MOKhF RSFSR

The canvas has been lined. There are frame abrasions along the edges. There are a few scattered light surface scratches. There is some raised craquelure to the forehead of the figure. Examination under UV light reveals retouchings throughout, in particular to the sitter's forehead, the background, upper left and several horizontal lines across the composition. Held in a wooden frame. 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."

The present lot by Vasily Yakovlev is a rare portrait of Marshal Zhukov, the recipient of numerous medals and awards during his illustrious, if controversial career. In this superb example painted in 1944, Zhukov wears his prestigious Marshal’s Star as he stands making military preparations.

In 1944, the Red Army’s ‘Operation Bagration’ was carefully coordinated to coincide with the D-Day landings in France that began on 6 June 1944 and the primary ground attack commenced on 23 June 1944. Zhukov had become accustomed to making extensive preparations, and this was particularly true for Bagration: ‘…training has now become mandatory before any major operation, and it is entirely justified. Troops operated more consistently and successfully in combat and suffered fewer losses.’ (Marshal Sovietskogo Soiuza G.K.Zhukov, Vospominaniya i razmyshleniya, Moscow: Izd. Agentstva Pechati Novosti, 1969, p.576).

During the war, dozens of artists would travel to and from the front to study military life and collect material for their works. Among those artists who visited the front was Yakovlev. One of the first members of the Association of Artists of Revolutionary Russia in 1922, Yakovlev was a painter and restorer who achieved technical mastery through the study of icon and sign painting and the restoration of Old Masters. Primarily a portrait artist, a number of his works are found in the State Russian Museum.