Lot Essay
One of the most successful Russian émigré artists of the 1920-30s, Konstantin Gorbatov is as famous for his sun-drenched landscapes as he is for his nostalgic depictions of Old Russia.
In 1911, after having studied at the Imperial Academy of Art in St Petersburg, Gorbatov received the title of Artist and a gold medal at the International exhibition in Munich for his work They've Reached the Shore (Varangian Guests). This achievement granted Gorbatov a scholarship which enabled him to travel to southern Europe, including Italy, in 1912.
Having visited Rome, Gorbatov travelled further south to Capri where he found inspiration in the warm light of the Amalfi and Sorrento coasts. The lighter, brighter brush-strokes of the Impressionists seemed perfectly suited to the vibrant hues of his surroundings and Gorbatov's work was transformed.
Following the 1917 Revolution Gorbatov returned to Italy, settling first in Capri and later in Venice. Frequent visits to Naples, Amalfi and Ravello resulted in a prolific creative period, characterised by the interplay of nature and architectural motifs.
In 1911, after having studied at the Imperial Academy of Art in St Petersburg, Gorbatov received the title of Artist and a gold medal at the International exhibition in Munich for his work They've Reached the Shore (Varangian Guests). This achievement granted Gorbatov a scholarship which enabled him to travel to southern Europe, including Italy, in 1912.
Having visited Rome, Gorbatov travelled further south to Capri where he found inspiration in the warm light of the Amalfi and Sorrento coasts. The lighter, brighter brush-strokes of the Impressionists seemed perfectly suited to the vibrant hues of his surroundings and Gorbatov's work was transformed.
Following the 1917 Revolution Gorbatov returned to Italy, settling first in Capri and later in Venice. Frequent visits to Naples, Amalfi and Ravello resulted in a prolific creative period, characterised by the interplay of nature and architectural motifs.