“A” is for Aivazovsky as Bonhams Russian Sale Boasts a Cyrillic Who’s Who
November 30, 2009 by All Art News
Filed under Art Market, Featured
LONDON.- On 30th November at Bonhams New Bond Street will host the sale of Russian Art, featuring the eminent names of both Aivazovsky and Fabergé.
The first painting by Aivazovsky, whose career spanned almost the entire 19th century, is named “The Morning Catch”. It is signed in Cyrillic and dated ’1870′ (lower right) and further signed in Latin and dated ’1870′ (lower left). The exceptional seascape oil painting is expected to fetch between £150,000 and £250,000 for the much sought-after artist.
Another major lot within the sale includes a silver-gilt, shaded enamel and plique-à-jour kovsh by Fabergé. The bowl also has an exceptional provenance, as it is presumed to be from the consignor’s great aunt, governess to the Nobel family. Created by workmaster Feodor Ruckert, (1908-1917), the stunning bowl with floral motifs, wirework scrolling and foil-backed cloisons on green ground, is expected to fetch upwards of £10,000.
Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky (Russian, 1817-1900) 'And the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters'. Estimate: £30,000 - 40,000, €33,000 - 44,000
The second painting by Aivazovsky, anticipated to exceed £30,000, is ‘And the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters’, dated 1838, and signed in Cyrillic ‘I. Aivazovsky’ and dated ’1838.’ (lower right). This painting appears to mark the genesis of the ideas behind the much larger ‘Chaos’, 1841 in the Monastery of Saint Lazarus, Venice. God appears to emerge resplendently to part the dark clouds and calm the waters: ‘And the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters.’, Genesis 1;2.
The painting was acquired by the great-grandmother of the present owner, a Greek living in Odessa, married into an important shipping family who operated in and around the Black Sea.
Other major lots featured in the sale include Nikolai Fechin’s “Portrait of a young girl”, signed in Latin which is expected to fetch between £55,000-85,000. Also featured is a further piece marked Fabergé, which is a silver-gilt and guilloché enamel miniature tankard, created by workmaster Anders Nevalainen, St. Petersburg (1898-1908). This piece is expected to fetch between £45,000-55,000.
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