248 - ALEXEY BOGOLYUBOV

ALEXEY BOGOLYUBOV ATTRIBUTED TO ALEXEI PETROVICH BOGOLIUBOV (1824-1896). SHIPWRECK IN A STORMY SEA. RUSSIA, 1860s. An expressive marine drawing attributed to the distinguished Russian marine painter Alexei Petrovich Bogoliubov (1824-1896), depicting a dramatic scene of shipwreck and the rescue of people during a violent storm. The work is distinguished by its complex composition, exceptional precision in the rendering of ships` rigging and a masterful combination of graphic and painterly techniques. At the centre of the composition, a sailing vessel flying the French tricolour struggles through towering waves. To the left, a boat carrying several figures is depicted, while to the right a partially submerged vessel appears with its fallen mast and damaged rigging. The listing ships, surging waves, gathering storm clouds and silhouettes of seabirds create a powerful sense of the struggle between man and the elements. The technique is of particular interest. Working on grey-toned paper, the artist combines rich dark washes with exceptionally delicate graphite detailing and expressive touches of white heightening to suggest the foam of breaking waves, sea spray and reflections of light. The construction of the vessels, their masts, spars and rigging are rendered with a degree of technical accuracy characteristic of an artist who had received a naval education and possessed first-hand experience of service at sea. The almost entirely monochromatic composition is enlivened by a single vivid colour accent: the French flag, picked out in blue and red watercolour. This striking detail heightens the dramatic tension of the scene and emphasises the work`s connection with the French themes present in Bogoliubov`s oeuvre. A faintly legible signature reading Боголюбовъ appears in the lower right corner, executed with a fine drawing instrument. The work is presented in a decorative wooden frame, with a mount and under glass. Material: Grey-toned paper. Medium: Mixed media, probably ink or black watercolour, graphite, white bodycolour and selective touches of coloured watercolour. Signature: Lower right, apparently signed Боголюбовъ. Dimensions: Approximately 30 × 20 cm. Condition: Minor signs of age to the paper support. The composition and colour accents appear visually well preserved. Provenance: Private European collection, held in the collection since the 1960s. Width: 54.5cm, Height: 44,5cm, Depth: 10cm, Weight: 2kg, Condition: Signs of wear commensurate with age, Material: Paper, ID: ID-ANTQ-17252