4 June 2014 Russian Art Auctions
4 June 2014
* 18. VINOGRADOV, SERGEI (1869-1938)
The Mamontovs' Estate, signed and indistinctly dated "1…".
Oil on canvas, 76.5 by 99.5 cm.
350,000-500,000 GBP
Executed in the 1910s.
Authenticity of the work has been confirmed by the expert V. Petrov.
Authenticity has also been confirmed by the expert I. Geraschenko.
Literature: N. Lapidus, Sergei Vinogradov, Moscow, Zolotoi vek, 2010, pl. 96, illustrated; pp. 474 and 484, listed.
Sergei Vinogradov, brilliant painter and illustrious exponent of Russian Impressionism, is represented in this catalogue by The Mamontovs’ Estate. This work from the 1910s typically reflects all the principles of the artist’s style and his determination to convey the effects of colour and light, a determination shared with other representatives of the Union of Russian Artists, especially Turzhansky, Zhukovsky and Yuon.
Vinogradov mainly painted en plein air. His pictures are literally drenched in sunshine; the air in them is transparent, creating an illusion of naturalness in all elements of the landscape. The rays of sunlight seem to be moving, but realism is achieved without the tawdry detail typical of the Academic style. Vinogradov is not at all concerned with the picturesque elements of landscape, but is drawn by sincere affection for the simple, odd corners of the native landscape that the Russian heart holds dear – their natural, organic appearance and unpretentiousness. The artist’s Russian period is marked out by special warmth and lyricism, and this is felt both in the euphoric mood of his pictures and in his gentle handling of paint, which avoids sharp, abrupt accents. The warm colours that predominate in his work, like the happy juxtaposition of shades in his palette, are so recognisable that they unerringly identify the hand of the artist.
The Mamontovs’ Estate is one of Sergei Vinogradov’s undisputed masterpieces, serving as an artistic calling card, which set the highest benchmark for the whole Russian landscape school of the first quarter of the 20th century.
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.