Important Vasily Polenov Masterpiece Sells for $1.7 Million at Bonhams, Setting a World Record

‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’ by Vasily Polenov, 106.7 x 177.2 cm © Bonhams

In a remarkable event at Bonhams 19th century and British Impressionist Art Sale today, an exquisite oil on canvas by Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov (1844-1927) stole the spotlight, fetching an astonishing £1,379,000 ($1,760,000). The painting, titled ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’, is a part of Polenov’s renowned series, ‘The Life of Christ’. Initially estimated to sell for £400,000-600,000, the final price far exceeded expectations, marking a significant moment in the art world.

Daria Khristova, a specialist at Bonhams, expressed her delight at the outcome, highlighting Polenov’s ability to captivate observers with his realistic depictions. She remarked, “Polenov’s work possesses an amazing realist quality that entices the observer. He considered ‘The Life of Christ’ series to be his life’s work, and we are delighted that this particular part of the series achieved such a wonderful result.”

‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’ by Vasily Polenov © Bonhams

Vasilii Dmitrievich Polenov, often dubbed the “Knight of Beauty” by his contemporaries, seamlessly blended European and Russian painting traditions in his creations. ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’ is just one gem from his acclaimed series, completed in the late 1890s and early 1900s. These paintings garnered immense praise when exhibited in 1909, first in St. Petersburg and later in Moscow.

In 1908, Polenov published an album featuring photographs of the series. Among the recipients was the celebrated Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy, who responded with profound admiration, stating, “Your album made a strong impression on me… Not to mention the beauty of the paintings and your wholly sympathetic attitude to the subject, the monumental work which you have put into this series evokes deep respect for the artist.”

The staggering success of Polenov’s masterpiece underscores the enduring allure of art and the profound impact of his timeless creations on collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in over 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. It is a global network of auction houses boasting the largest number of international salerooms and offering the broadest range of collecting categories, catering to all price points. Recognized for its bespoke service and dedication to fostering local market relationships, Bonhams enhances its global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams hosts over 1,000 sales annually, spanning more than 60 specialist categories such as fine art, collectibles, luxury items, wine & spirits, and collector cars.

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