Polenov`s works cause million-dollar disputes
Works by Vasily Polenov are making headlines in the Russian media. Two important paintings from the artist`s religious series, considered to be the main works of his life, are unlikely to stay in Russia.
The masterpieces of the golden age of 19th-century Russian painting, the two works, "He That Is Without Sin" and "He Is Guilty of Death," are due to be auctioned at Bonhams in November. The former is expected to bring in up to 1.8 million pounds, while the latter is estimated at 600,000-800,000 pounds.
The paintings belong to Polenov`s monumental series of 60 works titled "Life of Christ." The artist dedicated over two decades to this series and considered it to be the most important set of works he ever created. Only once was the complete series exhibited to the public, and it was over a century ago. Now that the paintings have been dispersed among various museums and private collectors, experts find them very rare and valuable.
Both paintings are currently on display at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, which would be delighted to purchase the masterpieces of the great Russian artist for its own collection. However, according to Lidia Iovleva, as quoted by the RIA Novosti news agency, the museum does not have enough money to buy these works. It is now also unlikely that the museum will receive financial support from its sponsors or the state Presidential Reserve Foundation.
Experts say that the exhibition at the State Tretyakov Gallery will not substantially influence the estimated price of the artworks, but will once again prove their authenticity.
Both paintings are being put up for auction by the University of North America, which received them as a gift from a wealthy American businessman and lover of Russian art, Charles Richard Crane.
In 1924, the two works were among 13 of Polenov`s creations displayed at Russian art exhibition in New York. Purchased at the time by Crane and soon donated to a North American institution, they remained unseen by the public for over 80 years.
Experts consider the return of these works to public view and to the art market an important and culturally significant event. Ahead of going under the hammer, the paintings saw a preview in New York followed by the current display in Moscow.
Apart from Polenov`s masterpieces, Bonhams` November Russian sales will also feature paintings by Ivan Aivazovsky, Nikolay Roerich, Faberge fine jewelry and Romanov family belongings.
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