Mikhail Larionov (Russian, 1881-1964) Untitled/A Rayist Composition

Description:

Mikhail Larionov (Russian, 1881-1964)

Untitled/A Rayist Composition
Initialed "M.L." l.r., stamped "Collection Bergman/The Israeli Museum Jerusalem" on the reverse.
Pastel on paper, 13 x 9 1/4 in. (32.8 x 23.8 cm),unmatted, unframed.
Condition: Handling creases, pale toning and staining to the reverse.

Provenance: Purchased from the apartment of Charlotte Bergman (1903-2002) in Paris at the sale administrated by her son after her death in 2002; collection of Jon P. Dorsey.

N.B. Mikhail Larionov and Natalia Goncharova were key figures in the development of Rayism (or Rayonism) in Russia. Reacting to modern art movements, especially Italian Futurism, they sought a way of creating art that moved beyond current forms of abstraction to liberate color and form from conventional representation. They derived the name Rayism or Luchism (luch meaning ray in Russian) from the use of dynamic rays of contrasting color, representing lines of reflected light. The movement lasted from roughly from 1912 to 1914, when Goncharova and Larionov left Russia for Switzerland.

From his earlier study of the British artist Joseph Mallord William Turner, Larionov became fascinated with how to depict light in painting. Larionov internalized this quest, developing a theory of invisible rays (not unlike the Futurists "lines of force"),and he began to structure his paintings around slanting lines, resembling rays of light, shooting and converging across the picture plane. As the style evolved, the beams began to dominate the picture, moving to complete abstraction. (1)

1. http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/rayonism.htm accessed 4/20/2017

Estimate $4,000-6,000

Purchased from the apartment of Charlotte Bergman (1903-2002) in Paris at the sale administered by her son after her death in 2002.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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