27 Nov 2013 Russian Art Auctions
27 November 2013
432. A RARE FAIENCE FIGURE OF CHERNOMOR
SERGEI ORLOV, KONAKOVO, 1947-1948
Height 29.5 cm.
8,000–12,000 GBP
Modelled in a standing pose astride a base of stylised raging water, dressed in medieval chainmail, boots and helmet, carrying a sword in his right hand and shield in his left, apparently unmarked.
Sergey Orlov (1911–1971), a famous sculptor, painter, graphic artist and designer is most well-known for his monument to Yuriy Dolgorukiy in Moscow (1954). However, he also worked on a series of small porcelain figures from Russian fairy tales, of which the sculpture “Chernomor” is a rare and exquisite example.
Stylistically there are a lot of similarities between the sculpture and the monument, which are apparent in the plasticity, attention to detail, similarity of the faces and the conical form of the helmets. During Orlov’s work at the Konakovo factory (1947–1948) he created the porcelain composition “The Tale of Tsar Saltan” of which “Chernomor” and the clock with the sculpture of “Tsarevich Guidon and the Swan Princess” are the only pieces to ever come to market.
We are grateful to Dr. Tatiana Astrakhantseva for assisting with research and providing this catalogue note.
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.