Kandinsky
sketch to improv number 8. 1909 (Murnau)
canvas, cardboard, oil. 98 x 70
Estimate: 20-30 million rubles
Source: Press Release Christie's

Multimedia Art Museum, October 12-14 2012
st. Ostozhenka, 16

picture Vasily Kandinsky "Sketch for improvisation № 8" will be exhibited in Russia. Despite the fact that for many years she has participated in exhibitions in Europe, before the eyes of the Russians, it will appear first in the pre-show at the Moscow Multimedia Art Museum on October 12-14. The work, which had a significant impact on the development of abstract art, was written as a sketch for one of eight paintings that were part of a series of innovative "Improvisation", created by the artist in 1909.

Andreas Rumbler, Head of the International Department of Impressionism and Modernism: "This work is one of the latest series of completed designs. Over the past 50 years, the picture was in a private collection and has become a regular exhibit numerous exhibits. That is why we felt it necessary to give the Russians see it as an opportunity ».

Priced at 20-30 million dollars, this sketch depicting the conquering hero with a golden sword has the potential to set a new record price to works by Kandinsky. At the moment of the artist record price of 20.9 million U.S. dollars (1914 painting entitled "Fugue" was sold at auction in 1990.) Second place in the list of the most expensive works of Kandinsky has sold for $ 16.9 million "Sketch for improvisation № 3».

high estimate the picture is a testament to its outstanding quality, comparable with the level of work are in major museum collections, as well as its indisputable rarity. Over recent years the sketches to "Improvisation" by Kandinsky from private collections appeared on the market only twice, while almost all of the eight series of completed projects to date are in museums. "Sketch for improvisation № 8", just like the final "Improvisation" were the last works written by the artist in 1909.

Like other web series, "Sketch for improvisation № 8" offers an extremely bright color palette, which is characteristic for the work of Kandinsky, and for the work of representatives of Russian Fauvism. The story and image system blade bears the recognizable imprint Russian reality. Walled city with origins in the sky dome reminds Kiev. In the foreground is seen as outside the city gates assembled pilgrims, but the entrance to the city, they block the two male figures, one holding the handle of a sword stuck in the ground. According to authoritative art critics figure of a man with a sword can serve as an image of St. George - one of the favorite characters of the early work of Kandinsky. There is also a theory that the two men - the brothers Boris and Gleb, the sons of the great Holy Prince Vladimir of Kiev, during whose reign Russia adopted Christianity in the late tenth century.

sketch up for sale from the collection of charity Folkart brothers, owners of Swiss trading company established in 1851. In 1960, the foundation provided a picture for display in the Art Museum, Winterthur, Switzerland, where she was exposed to at the time. In addition, over the years she has participated in exhibition projects conducted by Tate Modern, Museum of Art Basel, Ernst Beyeler Foundation and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Proceeds from the sale of the work will be directed towards the implementation of charitable initiatives Brothers Fund Folkart in health and education.

Source : Press Release Christie's