Kustodiev The cab. 1923
canvas. 98,3 x 81,5
Estimate: 1,5-2 million pounds
Result: 4.4 million pounds
Source: Press Release Christie's

Today, 26 November, at an auction of Russian art at Christie's in London on canvas Boris Kustodiev Boris « The driver "of collection of Kapitza was sold for 4.4 million pounds ($ 7 million) - a new world record price of the artist. When the auctioneer announced Lot 102, buyers in the room and on the phones became very animated. After a three-minute fight scene, "Waggoner," previously estimated at 1.5-2 million pounds, reached a record 4.4 million pounds. The canvas has got a private buyer from Europe, to bid on the phone.

Alex Tiesenhausen, director of the international department of Russian Christie's: «the auctioned artwork brush Boris Kustodiev with provenance - truly a rare honor for us. We have witnessed a great interest in this outstanding work by the collectors. As always, the works of art from private collections that have such provenance and are in excellent condition, have a very high demand in the market ».

Painting" cabby "Peter Kapitza acquired from the widow of the artist in 1936, one of a series of works depicting the Russian folk types. Written in 1923, the painting "The driver" was the main exhibit of the landmark exhibition of Russian art in New York in 1924. Of the 900 works of Russian artists of the brush 100 is this work was selected for the poster illustration of such an important historical event. Later, "The driver" was exhibited in the most prestigious museums and institutions such as the State Russian Museum (1928) and the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts (1960).

Source: Press Release Christie's