ATTRIBUTED TO ALEXEI PETROVICH BOGOLIUBOV | Harbour Scene

Acquired by the grandfather of the present owners

Original canvas on original stretcher. There are frame abrasions with associated paint loss along the edges. Faint stretcher bar marks are visible along the left and right edge. There is craquelure throughout the composition, mostly noticeable to the clouds as well as above the rooftops on the left. There are a few scattered minor specks of paint loss to the upper and lower left corners, to the wooden shed on the right of the house, towards the centre of the top edge and above the horizon line to the right edge. There is a layer of surface dirt with spots of dirt in places, notably to the centre of the left edge. The surface is covered in a thick and uneven layer of discoloured varnish. Inspection under UV light reveals some minor retouching to the upper right corner, to the centre of the sky to the right and further scattered retouching to the sky along the left edge. The thick layer of varnish prevents a more thorough analysis. Held in a gilt wooden frame with plaster mouldings. 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."

This warm, sunlit landscape bears close comparison with Bogoliubov’s View of the Bay of Sinop (1870s, The Zaporozhe Art Museum): note the positioning of the cursive signature, the tone and palette, the towering cumulus clouds behind distant hills, as well as the scale of the figures, the red flags and the characteristically ‘spindly’ brushstroke which is used to depict an oar, or in the present work the shaft of a well and legs of the horses. The boy standing with his back to the viewer appears to be wearing a red fez. The Svechin family was a noble one with a distinguished military history. Numerous generals and senior officers bearing the surname served in the Russian army from the 18^th to the 20^th century. One Valerian Petrovich Svechin is recorded as taking the position of Official of the Order of St Catherine from 25 January 1845 and lived until 1885. It is possible he is the figure to whom the inscription on the reverse refers, though his military status has not been ascertained.