London – An important oil on canvas by Vasilii Dmitrievich Polenov (1844-1927), part of a series of paintings entitled The Life of Christ, achieved £1,379,000 at Bonhams 19th century and British Impressionist Art Sale today (20 March) at 101 New Bond Street. The work, 'And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept' had an estimate of £400,000-600,000.
The 100-lot sale made a total of £2,846,000 with 77% sold by lot and 99% sold by value.
Daria Khristova, Bonhams Specialist, commented: "Polenov's work possess an amazing realist quality that entices the observer. He considered The Life of Christ series to be his life's work and we are delighted that this particular part of the series achieved such a wonderful result. This builds upon Bonhams impressive record of strong results for Polenov, a testimony to his work's ability to captivate collectors."
The "Knight of Beauty"
Polenov was known to his contemporaries as the "Knight of Beauty" as his work embodied both European and Russian traditions of painting. 'And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept' was part of a series of paintings entitled The Life of Christ, completed by Polenov in the late 1890s and early 1900s. The paintings were exhibited in 1909, first in St Petersburg and then Moscow to great acclaim.
In 1908 Polenov published an album with photographs of the series. He sent one of them to the Russian writer, 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."
Other highlights of the sale included:
• James Jacques Joseph Tissot (French, 1836-1902), Un déjeuner. Sold for £229,000.
• Gaetano Chierici (Italian, 1838-1920), A desperate venture. Sold for £108,350.
• Edward Reginald Frampton, ROI (British, 1873-1923), 'Or in a clear-wall'd city on the sea Near gilded organ pipes, her hair wound with white roses, slept St.Cecily, An angel look'd at her'. Sold for £57,550.
• George Cruikshank (British, 1792-1878), The Fairy Ring. Sold for £51,200.
20 March 2024
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.
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