MacDougall's Russian Art Auctions 1-2 Dec 2010
1 December 2010
13. ZICHY, MIKHAIL 1829-1906
Nubian with a Waterpipe signed and dated 1862
Pencil and watercolour, heightened with white, on paper, 49.5 by 31 cm
40,000-60,000 GBP
Provenance: Private collection, USA.
Exhibited: Mihály Zichy, Gustave Doré. Deux "monstres de génie", Musée Félicien Rops, Namur, Belgium, 12 September 2009 - 3 January 2010.
Literature: Exhibition catalogue, Mihály Zichy, Gustave Doré. Deux "monstres de génie", Musée Félicien Rops, 2009, p. 22, fig. 14, illustrated.
This magnificent watercolour offered here for auction dates from the peak of Zichy’s creativity. Hungarian by birth, Mikhail (Mihály) Zichy settled successfully in Russia, becoming exceptionally popular at court. He was, with good reason, dubbed the darling of three Russian emperors. Zichy worked in a variety of materials, including oils, but he made his mark above all as a first-class watercolourist. His watercolour and mixed-technique works on paper are distinguished by an unsurpassed skill and richness. Oriental subjects, which had become fashionable in the mid-19th century, also found their way into Zichy’s oeuvre. The detail in his architecture, interiors, fabrics, jewellery and weapons, elaborated to the point of illusion, rivalled the best exponents of French Orientalism, and his
works occupied a well-deserved place in the collections of the capital’s elite. Nubian with a Waterpipe can safely be compared to Zichy’s very best works and is undoubtedly of museum quality.
Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.