Daria Khristova nee Chernenko
Department Director
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Lot 57*,AR
Albert Nikolaevich Benois(Russian, 1852-1936)Series of 212 autograph letters and postcards
various sizes
various sizes
25 September 2024, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street£30,000 - £50,000
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Albert Nikolaevich Benois (Russian, 1852-1936)
Series of 212 autograph letters and postcards
the majority to the artist's daughter Marie Tcherepnine from Petrograd, Saint-Paul, Compiègne, Arcachon, Paris, Nice and elsewhere, 14 September 1923 – variously dated 23 & 24 March 1936, with over 80 original watercolours incorporated in the text, and 62 condolence letters (some typed) addressed to the Tchérépnine family upon Benois' death, variously dated 18 May 1936 - 23 March 1940.
various sizes
together with three framed works by Albert Benois: Fisherman, Fireworks and Albert Benois convalescing.
the majority to the artist's daughter Marie Tcherepnine from Petrograd, Saint-Paul, Compiègne, Arcachon, Paris, Nice and elsewhere, 14 September 1923 – variously dated 23 & 24 March 1936, with over 80 original watercolours incorporated in the text, and 62 condolence letters (some typed) addressed to the Tchérépnine family upon Benois' death, variously dated 18 May 1936 - 23 March 1940.
various sizes
together with three framed works by Albert Benois: Fisherman, Fireworks and Albert Benois convalescing.
Footnotes
Provenance
Acquired by the present owner in Genoa in 1999.
Private collection, Italy.
This compilation of correspondence from Albert Benois spans from 1923 until his passing in 1936. The initial letters, addressed to his daughter Marie, originate from Petrograd. At this time, Benois, in his seventies, expresses concerns about his health and discusses plans to relocate to France. He received permission to enter France for a family reunion in February 1924.
The letters resume in 1927, with Albert having settled in St Paul. He subsequently moved to various locations including Compiégne, Arcachon, Paris, and Nice. In his writings, Albert shares details of his daily life, financial struggles, and plans for future exhibitions. He frequently inquires about his grandson Alik's (Alexandre) progress in art and music, particularly his violin studies.
Many of the letters are enhanced with charming watercolour illustrations, often related to the content. For instance, in a letter to his brother Alexandre dated March 6, 1928, Albert proudly describes a beautiful watch given to him by Marie, accompanying the description with a watercolour sketch.
This unique collection also includes condolence letters sent to the Tcherepnin family following Albert's death. The correspondence provides insight into the close relationships between the artist, his cherished daughter Marie (to whom he wrote almost daily), his vivacious grandson, and his younger brother. It offers a personal glimpse into the later years of this accomplished artist's life.