Isaak Ilich Levitan

Sotheby's London, The Russian Sale, 23 November 2000, lot 86

There are losses to the board in the lower right and lower left corners. There are further losses to the support in the centre of the bottom edge with an associated tear as well as minor losses along the edges and in the upper corners. There is a tear approximately 3cm in length from the centre of the right edge. The support has discoloured. There is foxing and water stains throughout. There is a layer of surface dirt. The work is attached to the mount along the top edge. Held in a gold painted wooden frame behind glass. 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 may have been painted during a visit to Udomlya where Levitan used to stay with Bialinitsky-Birulya at the younger artist’s Chaika dacha. Though we cannot know the definite location, this is most likely a mature work. The play of light on the porch, steps or wall of a house seen through trees was a favourite motif of Levitan’s and can be found in several late compositions such as his fully worked Early Spring (The State Russian Museum) or more modest oil sketch, Sunny Day (The State Tretyakov Gallery), both dating from 1898. The free use of gouache and the unpainted areas of the sheet make this a particularly fine and sophisticated example of his graphic art.