77 - ANDREY AVINOFF (RUSSIAN-AMERICAN, 1884–1949), "TULIPS AND MY OLD HOUSE", 1947

ANDREY AVINOFF (RUSSIAN-AMERICAN, 1884–1949), "TULIPS AND MY OLD HOUSE", 1947 Watercolor and pencil on paperboard, signed and dated lower right "A 1947." A vibrant and highly decorative composition depicting a bouquet of variegated tulips set against a landscape view with a white house in the distance. A swallowtail butterfly hovers among the blossoms, while sweeping green leaves and a dark drapery create a dramatic vertical framework for the composition. Executed with exceptional control of transparent watercolor washes, the work combines botanical precision with a distinctly modern decorative sensibility. The reverse bears important exhibition and ownership labels identifying the artist as Andrey Avinoff and the work as "Tulips." A label from the Suffolk Museum, Long Island, records the artist's residence in Locust Valley, New York. An additional label from the Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, identifies the work as "Tulips and My Old House" by Andrey Avinoff and references Cranbrook Catalogue No. 21, establishing notable exhibition history. These labels provide valuable documentary evidence supporting the attribution and provenance. Andrey Avinoff was a Russian-born artist, scientist, and noted lepidopterist who emigrated to the United States following the Russian Revolution. He served as Director of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh and became widely respected for his watercolor paintings of flowers and butterflies, subjects that reflected his lifelong scientific interest in the natural world. His watercolors are represented in museum and institutional collections and are particularly admired for their refined draftsmanship, luminous color, and elegant synthesis of art and natural history. Dimensions: 21 1/4 x 15 3/4 in., (54 x 40 cm.) Condition: The watercolor appears to be in good overall condition and remains under glass. Minor age toning, light foxing, and scattered surface discoloration are visible. The backing board and exhibition labels exhibit age-related wear. The decorative frame shows losses and wear to the gilded finish consistent with age. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All statements contained in the catalog, condition reports, invoices, advertisements, or elsewhere concerning the authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, period, culture, source, provenance, authenticity, genuineness, condition, rarity, importance, or value of any lot are statements of opinion only and shall not be construed as representations, warranties, or statements of fact. All lots are sold "as-is", refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not offer in-house shipping. We will provide a list of recommended shippers upon request.