Lot 62
  • 62

Sergei Iosifovich Yutkevich

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Sergei Iosifovich Yutkevich
  • Design for Mayakovsky's Tragediya
  • signed with initials in Cyrillic l.r.
  • ink on paper
  • 35 by 21.5cm, 13 3/4 by 8 1/2 in.

Provenance

The family of the artist
Acquired by the present owner in the 1980s

Condition

The edges are slightly uneven. The surface is covered in what appears to be an uneven layer of varnish. There are pinholes in each corner and the centre of the top edge. There are three repaired tears to the bottom edge and further minor tears to the right and left edges. There is a large crease running across the left corner and further minor creasing throughout. There is a layer of surface dirt and flecks of dirt in places. Held in a black 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."

Catalogue Note

First performed in December 1913 at St Petersburg's Luna Park theatre, Mayakovsky's two-act verse drama satirising urban life featured a cast of outlandish characters and a poet protagonist. It was 'torn to pieces' by the original audience according to the author, but as soon as 1917 would be applauded by early Soviet critics as a 'daring swipe at bourgeois values' and admired for 'dethroning the old, decrepit God who had lost all ability to do anything for people'. It was published in the First Futurists' Journal in 1914.