MacDougall Auctions 2-3 December 2009
2 December 2009
* 299. SARYAN, MARTIROS 1880-1972
Kirovakan Village signed and dated 1948, also further signed and inscribed in Cyrillic and Armenian, dated and numbered "166" on the reverse
Oil on canvas, 55 by 70 cm.
40,000-60,000 pounds
Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist’s family.
Authenticity certificate from the Expert Centre of Cultural Values, Republic of Armenia, experts M. Stepanyan and Sh. Asoyan.
The work presented for the auction depicts an Armenian settlement in Kirovakan (or Vanadzor), a regional centre of Armenia. In the aftermath of the World War II, the Soviet government permitted the politically expedient repatriation of Armenians. On their return to Armenia, they found themselves in difficult socio-economic conditions worsened by the atmosphere of permanent mistrust that pervaded the Stalinist era. Indeed several were given the notorious label “enemy of the people”, and in 1949 exiled to remote regions of the Soviet Union. However, at the time the work was executed, they still believed in the happy future in their native country in the way depicted by the artist.
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.