Korovin attracted by the Lights of the City

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Konstantin Korovin was known in Russia for his paintings of various subjects with strong brush strokes and bright colors. His Russian works display a peaceful happiness influenced by the impressionists, and are searched.

In 1923, he left his country that had become Soviet. He stops first in Berlin, where he stayed shortly before fixing his residence in Paris. He will specialize in original night scenes showing the streets illuminated by urban and car lights. I do not know if this was a very good idea for him to come to Paris. The end of his life was difficult and he was acknowledged posthumously.

Made during his visit to Berlin, an oil on canvas, 110 x 76 cm, is an astonishing work of transition between the two periods of the artist. Before the open window, two midinettes (working girls) simper towards the observer. They are dressed (if not got up) in the so typical fashion of those years, with very long skirts and milliner hats with round cap and wide brim.

And behind the window, prescient of the evolution of the artist, the city is shining in the night.

This curious work is estimated 600 K$ by Sotheby's. It is for sale on November 2 in New York.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

This original painting was important for understanding the work of Korovin. It had also the sweet scent of the Roaring Twenties (les "Années folles ...").

The market has confirmed its importance: $ 1.18 million fees included.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The image of this painting is shared post sale by Art Market Monitor (third from top).