Porcelain figures on a mantelpiece; and Porcelain figures on a mantelpiece with a self-portrait

Details

Konstantin Andreevich Somov (1869-1939)
Porcelain figures on a mantelpiece; and Porcelain figures on a mantelpiece with a self-portrait
the first signed and dated 'C. Somov/1928' (lower left); the second signed in Cyrillic, inscribed in Russian and dated 'K. Somov/28 Sept. 28' (lower centre)
both pastel on paper laid down on board
13½ x 14 1/16 in. (34.2 x 36.1 cm.); 9 7/16 x 13 1/8 in. (26.8 x 35 cm.) (2)

Special notice

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Lot Essay

The first pastel is a version of a watercolour in the State Russian Museum, St Petersburg, and is reproduced in Liudmilla Korotkina's, Konstantin Somov, St Petersburg, 2004, p. 104.
This composition was a favourite of Somov's and he executed a number of versions, many incorporating a self-portrait.
I've been working on this new thing for three days already. The subject is wonderful and I have two studies for it - one in pencil and the other in pastel. A mantelpiece with porcelain on it, which is reflected in a mirror above the mantelpiece. In the mirror you can also see the reflection of the window and a bit of verdure which is lit by an unseen street lantern.
Letter dated 27 April 1930, p. 365

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