Skip to main content

This auction has ended. View lot details

You may also be interested in

Lot 71*

Nikolai Fechin
(Russian, 1881-1955)
Portrait of Mary Kiker, 1927

7 June 2010, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £102,000 inc. premium

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Russian Paintings and Works of Art specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Nikolai Fechin (Russian, 1881-1955)

Portrait of Mary Kiker, 1927
signed in Latin (lower right); further dedicatory inscription applied to verso 'To Mrs. M. Kiker from N. Fechin'
oil on canvas
33.7 x 28.5cm (13 1/4 x 11 1/4in).

Footnotes

PROVENANCE:
Gifted by the artist to Judge Henry Alexander Kiker (the sitter's step-father) in 1931
Purchased from the sitter in 2008 by the present owners

The unique and unmistakable style of Nikolai Fechin enabled him to gain artistic recognition both in Russia and in America. His works are characterised by rich colours, boldness of form and broad brushstrokes combined with an intimate depiction of the subject. Praised as an exceptional portrait painter, Fechin excelled in painting children and the present work is yet another example of his brilliant style. Fechin's daughter Eya became friends with the nine-year old Mary Kiker who was her neighbour while the family lived in Taos. Mary's father, Henry Alexander Kiker, was a lawyer and New Mexico Supreme Court Justice in 1954-1958, who later assisted Fechin with his divorce procedure. Fechin was captivated by the lively and cheerful little girl and asked Henry Kiker if Mary could sit for a portrait. It took about three months to complete the present portrait, and in 1931 the portrait was given to Judge Kiker as a token of friendship. In 1975, Mary Kiker, now Wheeler, inherited the portrait from her father. At a later date Eya requested the portrait for an exhibition of Fechin's works organized at the Fechins' house in Taos. At that time the portrait was reframed and the artist's signature and dedication from the original frame was attached to reverse, where it can be seen today.

Additional information

Bid now on these items

ICÔNE REPRÉSENTANT LA DÉISIS AVEC LES SAINTS ZOSIME ET SAVVATI Russie, première moitié du XIXe siècle