Konstantin Makovsky (Russian, 1839-1915) Study of Two Putti, circa 1886-1889 Red chalk on paper 11-3/8 x 8 inches (28.9 x 20.3 cm) (sight) Signed lower right LITERATURE: For references to "New Arcadia", please see: Niva , St. Petersburg, 1889, no.35, p. 869 G.Romanov & A.Muratov, Zhivo For references to "New Arcadia", please see: Niva , St. Petersburg, 1889, no.35, p. 869 From 1886-1889, the artist Konstantin Makovsky was at work on a series of decorative paintings for the Saint Petersburg mansion of Baron Sergei Pavlovich von Derviz. Over the course of three years, Makovsky created sixteen large panels, one of which, called "Happy Arcadia" was exhibited in Paris, and also illustrated in the magazine "Niva" in 1889 (Vol. no. 24). When von Derviz sold his mansion around 1905, he sold it with the Makovsky paintings in situ. The mansion, which was bought by Swedish industrialist Baron A.G. Alfthan, was sold with the Makovsky paintings intact, but in the 1980s, the paintings began to appear in the market, "Happy Arcadia" was discovered in Sweden at Gotarvisk Manor, Orebro, Sweden. It had been there since the 1930's, when it was given as payment for a shipment of boots by the Soviet Army to the manor's owner, Gottfriend Berglund. The offered lot appears to be one of many studies for the von Derviz mansion and the putti are closely related to several figures visible in "New Arcadia". Property from the Nelkin Collection HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved