June 2, 2014 at Christie's auction Russian exhibited two masterpieces by Vasily Vereshchagin (1842-1904) - "Pearl Mosque at Agra" and "Portico of the XVII century church in Yaroslavl" - a collection of them college. Vassar (NY

June 2, 2014 at Christie's auction Russian exhibited two masterpieces Vasily Vasily Vereshchagin ( 1842 -1904 ) - " Pearl Mosque at Agra " (estimate of 1-1.5 million pounds) and " Portico of the XVII century church in Yaroslavl " (estimate 300-500 thousand pounds ) , sales of which will be allocated to replenish the fund arts center Francis Lehman Loeb college. Vassar ( NY) . These works of the great Russian artist exhibited at the auction is not more than 95 years . Before the start of London auction both paintings will be exhibited as part of the pre-auction exhibition Christie's, which will be held in New York from 5 to 8 April .

Vasily Vereshchagin Pearl Mosque in Agra. End 1870 - early 1880 Oil on canvas. 150 × 200,7 Christie's. 2.06.2014 Estimate: 1-1,5 million pounds Source : Press Release Christie's

Vasily Vereshchagin Portico of the XVII century church in Yaroslavl. Around 1894 Oil on canvas. 43,1 × 58,4 Christie's. 2.06.2014 Estimate: 300-500 thousand pounds Source : Press Release Christie's

James Mundy , director of the arts center, Frances Lehman Loeb college. Vassar : " Collection College. Vassar initially include more than 3,000 works , mostly American and European art drawing , today has more than 19,000 works that reflect the history of world art from the era of ancient Egypt to the photos of the XXI century . Adhering to the curatorial approach , which implies a responsible attitude to the collection , and following the standard practice of the world's leading museums, art center guide Francis Lehman forehead produces regular audit meeting to identify items that are due to several factors (relevance for meeting state redundancy ) can be translated in cash assets necessary for the acquisition of works , the most appropriate educational program of the college. Exhibiting two works Vereshchagin for sale to replenish the funds is in accordance with the policy of the college ... We remain true to the legacy of our first patrons and hope thereby to increase their contribution to the development of the college ».

In 1874 Vasily Vereshchagin year went to India , where nearly two years collecting ethnographic material for a series of paintings . Works that were the culmination of his trip, get amazingly cohesive and beautiful. The painting, entitled " Pearl Mosque at Agra " was written by him in a Paris studio in the late 1870s - early 1880s . Looking at how the soft light falls on the architectural elements of the mosque , one can understand why she liked Vereshchagin , who wrote in 1891 : "I love mosques : prayer is simple and less solemn than the Christians, but their deity it is neither an artist's brush or chisel of the sculptor . Do you feel that God is present during your prayers , but where is he ... ? Let it open up your soul ».

In years 1887-1894 Vasily Vereshchagin traveled extensively in Russia . In the years 1887-1888 he visited Yaroslavl , Rostov , Kostroma and Makarov . The painting, entitled " Portico of the XVII century church in Yaroslavl ' is a shining example of creativity Vereshchagin those years. Immersed in the twilight of the interior seems so close and recognizable that begin to emerge in the memory of the familiar sounds and smells. Born in Cherepovets in the family is quite wealthy landowner , Vereshchagin never caught up in wealth and luxury. In 1895 he published "Illustrated autobiography several unremarkable Russian people" , telling about the hardships of ordinary people. Author of the article in the New York Times on December 10, 1888 wrote that Vereshchagin " embodies a brush with the ideas of Tolstoy , Tolstoy expresses that word ».

In November 1888 , " Pearl mosque in Agra "and" Portico of the XVII century church in Yaroslavl, " exhibited in the Gallery of American Art in New York . This exhibition of works by Vereshchagin was opened two months and enjoyed incredible success . Before opening was sent five thousand invitations. Facilities galleries were decorated with oriental carpets and works of decorative art, an artist acquired during travel . After New York, the exhibition was sent to Chicago , St. Louis , Philadelphia, Baltimore and Boston, attracted thousands of visitors and a lot of mentions in the press . In 1891, the tour was over, the painting returned to New York, then the evening of 17 November, all 110 works went under the hammer .

Painting " Portico of the XVII century church in Yaroslavl, " was purchased by E. M. Kohli, then passed by inheritance until 1981 , when it was donated to the college. Vassar . Painting " Pearl Mosque at Agra " was also sold in 1891, and a year later was acquired Katolinoy Lambert , whose famous collection in turn was sold in 1916. Subsequently painting purchased Frederick Thompson and his wife, who gave it the college in the same year . Thus, these two works were exhibited for the last time at auction in 1891 and 1916 respectively .

Source : Press Release Christie's