Vereshchagin and Vasnetsov

«Russian auction" at Christie's brought just two solid results. Paintings by Vasily Vereshchagin "Crucifixion by the Romans," written by the artist in 1887 during his stay in Paris, sold at Christie's auction for an impressive sum - £ 1 72 million. Preliminary assessment of works is £ 1-1, 5 million. This monumental canvas was written Vereshchagin in his Paris studio, which he specially arranged for the creation of large-scale works. Composition of the picture makes an indelible impression. Rejecting a tradition according to which the figure of the crucified Christ is the central part of the composition, Vereshchagin painting of the Savior at the right edge of the web. Thus, the viewer's attention switches to the crowd. The viewer feels part of it, and to see what is happening to him to peer over the heads of standing in front of people and horses. Above figures traders Pharisees and followers of Christ hanging grieving city walls, while all along the horizon stretched the darkened sky. The foreground is occupied by the figure of the Roman soldiers, armed with pikes and spears.

The second record was a large-scale canvas painted by Viktor Vasnetsov "Bogatyr", pushed under the hammer for £ 1, 1 million. Estimate of work amounted to £ 300-500 thousand. This painting is a late (1920) version of the same theme, as in the famous "Three heroes "from the Tretyakov Gallery. In a monumental expressive painting captures the hero on a huge horse, a rearing. Swirling clouds in the sky, and an epic rider if he backs his shoulders. Vasnetsov's paintings came to the catalog of the auction house at the last moment. When the list of items had already been formed, a farmer from the English heartland offered to sell the painting. Staff at the auction house could not believe that the priceless masterpiece was in such a remote place. Pictures are stored on a roll, but in spite of the indelicate treatment picture remains in excellent condition. Also, the bar is a million pounds has overcome one more item - a pair of porcelain vases Imperial Porcelain Factory in 1833. They went under the hammer for £ 1 05 million., Twice the lower bar estieyta amounts to £ 500- £ 700 thousand. The works of two other authors - Maria and Ivan Pohitonova Yakunchikovoy - set a personal record. Yakunchikovoy painting "View of the old house, Vvedenskoe" sold to a private buyer from Europe for £ 690 thousand. (Estimate: £ 150- £ 200 thousand.), And the work Pohitonova "On the Beach" art dealer bought from Russia for £ 409 thousand. (estimate £ 80- £ 120 thousand).