8 June 2016 Russian Art and Photography Auctions

8 June 2016

Artist Index / Full Catalogue


AFTER A MODEL BY BORIS VOROBYEV AND A PAINTED DESIGN BY IVAN RIZNICH OR VARVARA RUKAVISHNIKOVA, LOMONOSOV STATE PORCELAIN MANUFACTORY, LENINGRAD, CIRCA 1953

366. A Porcelain Composition of the Manilovs from Gogol's "Dead Souls"

AFTER A MODEL BY BORIS VOROBYEV AND A PAINTED DESIGN BY IVAN RIZNICH OR VARVARA RUKAVISHNIKOVA, LOMONOSOV STATE PORCELAIN MANUFACTORY, LENINGRAD, CIRCA 1953


300-500 GBP


Height 16 cm.
Related literature: For a similar work, see Yu.A. Traysman, Ode to Joy, Pinakotheke Moscow, 2008, pp. 360–367.

Realistically modelled, holding each other arm in arm, the wife dressed in a pale yellow dress with white overskirt and a pink shawl, the husband dressed in grey trousers and a green overcoat over a white shirt with a matching pale yellow bow tie, both looking into the distance, on a square shaped white base, with blue overglaze manufactory marks, further numbered ‘22’ in black.

Gogol’s series depict the époque’s take on one of the most cherished Russian author. Created between 1945–1954, these porcelain figurines of favourite characters not only evoke the familiar literary prototypes but also highlight the pathos of the Stalinist era. Gestures and lively mimicry, along with the colourful palette, enhance the theatricality and distinctiveness achieved by the longstanding tradition of craftsmanship and the imaginations of the leading artists of the time.


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.