29 November 2017 Russian Art Auctions

29 November 2017

Artist Index / Full Catalogue


Portrait of Valia

* 161. PLASTOV, ARKADY (1893-1972)

Portrait of Valia, stamped with the artist's initials, also further stamped twice with the artist's name and initials on the reverse.

Oil on cardboard, 42.5 by 31.5 cm.
12,000-18,000 GBP


Executed in the early 1960s.

Provenance: Collection of Nikolai Plastov, the artist’s grandson (stamp on the reverse).
Acquired from the above by the present owner.
Important private collection, USA.

Authenticity of the work has been confirmed by Nikolai Plastov.

Nikolai Plastov, the artist’s grandson, wrote that his grandfather had painted Valia in his native village of Prislonikha (the city of Ulyanovsk region), where he had lived all his life. The painting is from the series of child portraits from the 1960s, characteristic of this period in the artist’s oeuvre.

It had been typical of Arkady Plastov to record details of his sitters’ biographies. Following his steps, Nikolai Plastov provided further details of Valia’s life: according to him, Valia Tonshina was born in Prislonikha in 1956, and as of 1996, she lived with her family in Ulyanovsk, where she worked as a shop assistant.


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.