ALEXEI PETROVICH BOGOLYUBOV (1824-1896). SHIPS IN THE ROADSTEAD OF

An evocative watercolour by Alexei Petrovich Bogolyubov, one of the foremost Russian marine and landscape painters of the 19th century, depicting the roadstead of Le Havre on the Normandy coast. The composition is structured around the broad horizontal expanse of the sea, with sailing ships and steam-powered vessels occupying the middle distance. The shoreline of the port is discernible beyond. The low horizon allows the sky to dominate much of the composition, with substantial blue-grey clouds creating the distinctive atmospheric quality characteristic of Bogolyubov`s marine landscapes. The watercolour is executed with freedom and restraint. The surface of the water is rendered in transparent horizontal washes of cool blue and grey-blue tones, while the foreground is articulated with denser passages of brown and ochre. The silhouettes of the vessels are suggested with a few precise lines and tonal accents. This economy of means relates the work closely to Bogolyubov`s studies from nature, in which direct observation of the sea, sky and changing light assumes an independent artistic significance. Signed «А. Боголюбов» lower left and inscribed with the location «LE HAVRE» lower right. Of particular interest is the surviving historic presentation. The reverse bears an address card inscribed «A. BOGOLUBOFF» with the Paris address «21, Boulevard des Batignolles». Also preserved is an old label from the Parisian gilding and framing establishment DORURE, Encadrements, Glaces & Moulures, MURAT, 68 Bis Malesherbes, Paris. These elements form an important part of the work`s history and attest to its longstanding presence in France. Material: Watercolour on paper. Dimensions: 14 × 22 cm. Condition: Age-related changes to the paper and localised signs of age. The original mount and historic presentation have been preserved. Provenance: France. The reverse of the historic presentation bears an address card inscribed «A. BOGOLUBOFF, 21, Boulevard des Batignolles», together with a label from the Parisian establishment MURAT, 68 Bis Malesherbes, Paris.

Estimate:£4,183.59

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