Live Auction 1161Important Russian Art
Albert Benois (1888-1960)
Lot 55

Albert Benois (1888-1960)

View from the doors of the church of Sainte Geneviève des Bois

Closed25 November 2013

Price Realised

GBP 3,750

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

How to sell

Albert Benois (1888-1960)
View from the doors of the church of Sainte Geneviève des Bois
signed and dated 'Albert A Benois 1945' (lower right); with inscription from Alexandre Djanchieff 'Benois/Albert Alexandrovitch/1888-1960/Eglise de Sainte Genevieve/des Bois, dont il fut/l'architecte et dans la/crypte de laquelle il est/enterré./Cousin du peintre Alexandre/Nikolaevitch Benois' (on the reverse of the mount)
pencil, ink and watercolour on paper
6.3/8 x 5¾ in. (16.3 x 14.7 cm.)

Collection Alexandre Djanchieff.
By descent to the present owner.

Specialist note

The present work depicts the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox church, one of Albert Benois's most celebrated architectural creations. Situated in the grounds of the Sainte Geneviève des Bois Cemetery, a place of great significance for Paris's Russian émigré community where such prominent figures as Ivan Bunin, Rudolf Nureyev, Zinaida Serebriakova and many others are buried. Benois also contributed the beautiful murals for the church's narthex, visible in this charming watercolour.