MacDougall's Russian Art Auctions 8-9 June 2011
8 June 2011
442. PETROV-VODKIN, KUZMA (1878-1939)
Cows in a Barn, signed with initials, inscribed "Urrugne" and dated "[juil]let 07", also further signed, inscribed in Cyrillic "V khlevu. Frantsiya" and dated 1907 on the reverse.
Charcoal, sanguine and pastel on paper, 29 by 37 cm.
30,000-40,000 GBP
Provenance: Acquired from the artist's widow in the late 1950s.
Important private collection, Germany.
Authenticity certificate from the expert E. Zhukova.
Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin, one of the most significant Russian artists of the 20th century, is best known for his iconic work Bathing of a Red Horse, which he painted in 1912.
Cows in a Barn dates from a pivotal period in Petrov-Vodkin's development as an artist. He had studied the Old Masters during a sojourn in Italy and became particularly fascinated by Italian Renaissance painting. In 1906, he settled in Paris, where he discovered the latest trends in European art. Working in various studios, he produced hundreds of drawings, often working from life models.
Petrov-Vodkin executed the present work at a farm near the Basque village of Urrugne, situated between the Atlantic coast and the Pyrenees, close to the Spanish border. There, the artist spent the summer months of 1907 together with his wife Maria, after returning from a trip to North Africa. The work is a beautiful example of Petrov-Vodkin's French period. The fruits of his work in Paris are visible in the clear lines of the drawing and the sculptural quality of the cows' bodies.
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.