Bonhams has the privilege to offer two rare masterpieces at its New Bond Street gallery in London. The paintings are by realist artist Vasili Polenov (1844–1927) and are highlights of the Russian Art auction on Nov. 30.
After a public preview in New York, the works from Russia’s golden age of 19th century painting are now being exhibited in Moscow before the auction.
“Executed with technical virtuosity and breathtaking clarity, these two paintings were part of an epic series regarded by Polenov as the foremost undertaking of his career. These are unquestionably the most important works by the artist to ever come up for auction,” Yelena Harbick, the U.S. director of Russian Fine and Decorative Arts explained in a press release.
Polenov produced the series titled “Life of Christ” over two decades. The monumental 60-piece collection was scheduled to travel across the Atlantic aboard the RMS Titanic to exhibit in America. A shipment delay fortunately saved the series from the disaster.
After being displayed in its entirety only once in 1909, the collection was eventually spread throughout various Russian art museums.
“We anticipate that their unparalleled artistic importance, exceptional provenance, and fascinating history will generate a considerable interest not only among Russian private collectors and institutional buyers, but from international collectors as well,” Ms. Harbick said.
The two paintings were donated by philanthropist Charles R. Crane to a North American institution where they have resided for more than 80 years.
