3 June 2015 Russian Art Auctions
3 June 2015
§ 5. LAPCHINE, GEORGES (1885-1950)
Easter Feast, signed and dated 1926.
Oil on canvas, 80 by 100 cm.
60,000-90,000 GBP
Provenance: Private collection, Europe.
Acquired from the above by the present owner.
Private collection, UK.
The mid 1920s represented an extremely fruitful period for the creative oeuvre of Georges Lapchine. Having finally returned to Paris in the early 1920s, he rapidly achieved fame, travelling around the whole of Europe creating an enormous number of Impressionist paintings and bright, cheerful still lifes. One such example was Easter Feast. It was executed on the most important holiday of the Russian Orthodox church, and is devoid of any burden of nostalgia for his homeland. With his characteristic zest for life he produces a cosy image of an artist’s milieu. The festively laid table is adorned with a splendid bouquet of bright peonies, and the traditional Easter cake is juxtaposed with a golden lemon and slices of pineapple.
In his free Impressionist style we can perceive the potent influence of French masters of the early 20th century. Lapchine encountered their work back in 1906, when he came to Paris to train after his graduation from the Stroganov College. Three years later, already a master, Lapchine returned to Moscow and took part in many renowned Moscow art exhibitions. From 1925, already living permanently in France, Lapchine became an exhibitor of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and of the Salon des Independants.
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.