FEDOR RESHETNIKOV (1906–1988) Frontline sailors

signed in Cyrillic ‘F. Reshetnikov’ (lower left), signed again and inscribed in Cyrillic ‘To V.G. Korshunov, in grateful memory / F. Reshetnikov’ (lower left) watercolour and pencil on paper 81 × 65 cm PROVENANCE Gift from the artist to V.G. Korshunov, possibly Vladimir Georgievich Korshunov. Born in the village of Sursko-Lytovske, Yekaterinoslav Governorate (now Dnipropetrovsk Region, Ukraine), Fyodor Reshetnikov (1906–1988) was the son of an icon painter. He studied at VKhUTEIN in Moscow under Sergei Gerasimov and Dmitry Moor. Before establishing himself as one of the leading exponents of Soviet Socialist Realism, he gained recognition as an artist-reporter on the historic Arctic expeditions of the Alexander Sibiryakov (1932) and the Chelyuskin (1933–34). During the Second World War, Reshetnikov served on the front as a war correspondent and military artist, producing propaganda posters and graphic works celebrating the heroism of the Black Sea Fleet and the defenders of Sevastopol. After the war he became celebrated for his patriotic and genre paintings, including Arrived for the Holidays, for which he was awarded the Stalin Prize. He was elected a full member of the USSR Academy of Arts in 1953 and served as its Vice-President from 1974 to 1987. The present work is dedicated to V.G. Korshunov, likely Vladimir Georgievich Korshunov, a Captain 1st Rank of the Soviet Navy who served throughout the Second World War, from the defence of Moscow to the capture of Berlin. Its dedication lends the composition an added personal resonance, suggesting that it may commemorate the artist’s wartime experience and his close association with Soviet naval servicemen. Upon the buyer’s request, we are pleased to provide a general condition report for the Lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to conduct their own inspection or consult a specialist or restorer of their choice for a comprehensive professional assessment. Any condition descriptions provided in the catalogue or through any correspondence are for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for a firsthand evaluation. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’ IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.