London – There were also women looking from afar off an important oil on canvas by Vasilii Dmitrievich Polenov (Russian, 1844-1927) is amongst the highlights of Bonhams' 19th Century and British Impressionist Art sale on 29 March at New Bond Street, London. The work has an estimate of £500,000 - 700,000.

There were also women looking from afar off was part of the series of paintings entitled The Life of Christ, completed by Polenov in late 1890s and early 1900s. The subject of the Gospel was consistent with Polenov's desire to show the moral power and triumph of the humanistic ideas espoused by Christ, whom Polenov perceived as an historical figure. He therefore wanted to 'search for historical truth' in his work, and so, to recreate the 'authenticity' of the events, Polenov travelled to Egypt, Syria and Palestine in 1881-1882. Direct work on the paintings began in 1899, when the artist made a second trip to the East to collect material.

The paintings were exhibited in 1909, first in St. Petersburg, and then Moscow and other cities, and were met with great acclaim. In 1908 Polenov published an album with photographs of the series. He sent one of them to Leo Tolstoy, who wrote in response: "Your album made a strong impression on me. I imagine how the exhibition itself would have appeared, and I deeply, deeply regret that I cannot see it... Not to mention the beauty of the paintings and your wholly sympathetic attitude to the subject, the monumental work which you have put into this series evokes deep respect for the artist."

There were also women looking from afar off was included in The Russian Art Exhibition, at the Grand Palace Hotel in 1924 where it was acquired by Charles Crane, a well-known patron of the arts, Russian art collector, industrialist, banker and diplomat, who was on the board of trustees of the exhibition. It was later presented to an American institution, from which it is now offered.

Daria Khristova, Bonhams Specialist, commented: "Polenov was referred to by his contemporaries as the 'Knight of beauty' and his work possess an amazing realist quality that really entices the observer. Polenov considered The Life of Christ series to be 'his life's work' and we are delighted to be able to offer There were also women looking from afar off at Bonhams' upcoming 19th Century Art sale. We are sure it will excite collectors."

Writing in Bonhams Magazine, Claire Wrathall comments: "Polenov's style had caught the public imagination, and even after the Revolution of 1917, the series continued to be popular. Despite their religious themes, their figurative style and celebration of the common man found favour with the People's Commissariat of Education...His intention was sincere, however, as was his desire to share his admiration for the New Testament. "I love the gospel stories beyond words," he wrote. "Their simplicity and honesty, their pure, high-minded ethics and the humanity that permeates their message. But most of all, I love [the] tragic, awful, awe-inspiring end" he paints here."

20 February 2023