- 57
Valentin Serov
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- Valentin Serov
- Nude
- authenticated in Cyrillic by the artist's widow on the reverse of the sheet
- pencil on paper
- 42.5 by 26.5cm, 16 3/4 by 10 1/2 in.
Literature
Zhar Ptitsa no.12, Berlin, 1923, p.8 (opposite) illustrated full page
I.Grabar, Valentin Alexandrovich Serov, Zhizn' i tvorchestvo, 1865-1911, Moscow: Iskusstvo, 1965, p.446 listed
I.Grabar, Valentin Alexandrovich Serov, Zhizn' i tvorchestvo, 1865-1911, Moscow: Iskusstvo, 1965, p.446 listed
Condition
The paper has discoloured in line with age. The left perforated edge of the sheet is uneven. There is minor paper loss to the upper left corner. The sheet is attached to the mount along the top edge. There is a horizontal crease across the centre and some minor creasing throughout. There are some glue stains along the bottom edge below the mount. Held in a simple 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Described in his monograph as a nude, 'standing turned towards the left with her hands resting on her head', Grabar dates this drawing to 1910-1911 in a listing of Serov's Paris works and references the reproduction in Zhar Ptitsa. The majority of Serov's nude sketches from this period are in the Tretyakov Gallery or the Russian Museum and are smaller in size. The present lot is the only one recorded as having being reproduced in a contemporary journal and its appearance at auction is a great rediscovery. The uneven yet steady lines of Serov's nude studies are most reminiscent of those of his Austrian contemporary Egon Schiele (1890-1918).