ÉCOLE DE PARIS AND OTHER MASTERS
12:00 GMT 24 April 2025
Artist Index / Full Catalogue / Bidding
11. FALK, ROBERT (1886–1958)
Leningrad Landscape. Moika. Sun, signed.
Oil on canvas, 65.5 by 81 cm.
120,000-180,000 GBP
Executed in 1939.
Provenance: Estate of the artist.
Collection of Lev Borisovich Katsenelson (1923-1993), Leningrad.
Important private collection, Europe.
Authenticity of the works has been confirmed by the expert Yu. Didenko.
Exhibited: Possibly, Robert Falk, Tsentralnyi dom rabotnikov iskusstv, Moscow, Autumn 1939, No. 155, Moika.
Literature: D. Sarabianov, Yu. Didenko (eds), Zhivopis Roberta Falka. Polnyi katalog proizvedenii, Moscow, Galereia Elizium, 2006, p. 663, No. 968, listed and illustrated in black and white; p. 835, illustrated in black and white under the year 1939.
The painting presented here for auction Leningrad Landscape. Moika. Sun by Robert Falk comes from the distinguished collection of Lev Katsenelson (1923-1993). The painting was possibly included in Falk’s solo exhibition at the Central House of the Arts in Moscow in 1939. Views of the northern capital were the most beloved and inspiring theme of Robert Falk upon his return from France. Lenigrad Landscape. Moika. Sun was painted in the spring of 1939, and captures the view of the Red Bridge over the Moika River.
In his letter to Raisa Idelson in 1939, the artist shared his impression of the city: “We arrived this morning and were greeted by the most beautiful weather. We got to Osmerkin’s place and everything was immediately settled/…/ I am also extremely fond of Leningrad. I immediately had an urge to work. This feeling has not been so strong in Moscow just yet. For now, Moscow’s external rhythm is disorganised, but Leningrad – it is just the opposite. It is wonderful.” (R.R.Falk, Besedy o iskusstve. Pisma. Vospominania o khudozhnike, Moscow, Sovetskii khudozhnik, 1981, p. 148).
In the present lot, along with his other works, typically depicting Leningrad through the windows and balconies, Falk makes full use of the discoveries of the Post-Impressionists, above all Cézanne, by thoroughly exploring the potential of a patch of colour and its interaction with the overall chromatic structure of a picture. The artist is rightly regarded as one of the best Russian colourists of the 20th century. His original technique of applying paint in several thick layers to create an unusual shimmering effect imparts a fascinating musical resonance to his works.
Estate of the artist number inscribed on the stretcher of the present lot
The present lot as illustrated and listed in the 2006 monograph
Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
◎ Indicates the lot is located outside the UK. Successful bidders would collect their lots outside the UK after payment.
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.