- 181
Evgeny Lanceray (1848-1886), Svyatoslav on the Way to Tsargrad
Estimate
55,000 - 75,000 USD
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Description
- bronze
- length 21 in. (53.3 cm)
the prince of Kievan Rus shown astride a tense and wind-blown steed gesturing
with his sword while rallying his troops, the front of the base with a plaque inscribed in Cyrillic reading "We would rather fall in battle than bring shame on Russia's lands / Svyatoslav, on the road to Tsargrad in 970," inscribed with signature, date and with the mark of the Chopin foundry
with his sword while rallying his troops, the front of the base with a plaque inscribed in Cyrillic reading "We would rather fall in battle than bring shame on Russia's lands / Svyatoslav, on the road to Tsargrad in 970," inscribed with signature, date and with the mark of the Chopin foundry
Condition
overall very good condition; large and imposing with attractive detail and patina; the shield affixed with a modern screw; would benefit from a professional cleaning
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
This was one of the last works Lanceray completed before his untimely death and his masterful handling of the patriotic warrior astride a fiery steed has been viewed as a fitting summation of his illustrious career. Svyatoslav I (ca. 942-972), son of Igor and Olga of Kiev, is primarily remembered for his successful military campaigns in eastern and southern Europe, which resulted in the expansion of Kievan Rus' into the largest state in Europe. Although he was ultimately unsuccessful in taking Tsargrad (the Slavonic name for Constantinople), his heroic deeds and success in acquiring Byzantine lands attracted the attention of Russian artists during the Russo-Turkish Wars of 1768-1774 and 1877-1878. Thus it was a natural gift for a Russian officer and there is some evidence that casts of this bronze were presented to successful military leaders or regiments. On this design, see L. Dementeva, Evgenii Lansere: Albom skulpturnykh modelei, Moscow, 2011, pp. 266-267.