Property from a Private Collection, Canada
Svyatoslav on the Way to Tsargrad: a bronze figural group, after Evgeny Lanceray, cast by Gavrilov, late 19th century
Auction Closed
November 25, 06:21 PM GMT
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
cast as Svyatoslav astride his horse raising his sword, his helmet resting against left hand which clutches his spear, the rectangular base with a plaque inscribed in Cyrillic "We would rather fall in battle than bring shame on Russia's lands / There is no shame in death... " / Svyatoslav, on the road to Tsargrad in 970', inscribed in Cyrillic E. Lanceray, cast V.Z. Gavrilov
height 55 cm; 21 5/8 in.
This was one of the last works Lanceray completed before his untimely death and his masterful handling of the warrior astride a fiery steed has been viewed as a fitting summation of his illustrious career. Svyatoslav I (c.943-972), is primarily remembered for his successful military campaigns in eastern and southern Europe.
Although he was ultimately unsuccessful in taking Tsargrad (the Slavonic name for Constantinople), his heroic deeds and success in acquiring Byzantine lands attracted the attention of Russian artists during the Russo-Turkish Wars of 1768-1774 and 1877-1878. Thus it was a natural gift for a Russian officer and there is some evidence that casts of this bronze were presented to successful military leaders or regiments.
Similar bronze models can be found in the collections of the Tretyakov Gallery, the State Historical Museum in Moscow and the State Russian Museum amongst others.
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