KONSTANTIN FINOGENOV (1902–1988) Shanghai in the morning

signed (lower right), signed and inscribed in Cyrillic ‘Shanghai utrom / Finogenov K. I.’ (on the reverse) gouache on board 41.5 × 71 cm Executed circa 1949-1950 Executed circa late 1949–early 1950, the present work was likely inspired by Konstantin Finogenov’s participation in the first Soviet art delegation to the newly established People’s Republic of China in the autumn of 1949, shortly after its proclamation on 1 October. Organised to celebrate the establishment of the new socialist state and the victory of the Chinese Communist Party, the visit marked the beginning of a decade of close Sino-Soviet cultural cooperation, formalised by the Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual Assistance in 1950. Travelling extensively across China, Finogenov documented the country’s rapidly transforming cities, industrial achievements and everyday life. During the delegation’s stay in Shanghai, he visited the city’s renowned textile factory—one of China’s largest industrial enterprises, employing predominantly women—and recorded panoramic views of the city, including the present work. Throughout the journey, he portrayed leading Communist Party figures, the Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, soldiers, workers, peasants, women and children, as well as traditional theatrical performances and dragon dances, creating one of the earliest Soviet artistic records of the new People’s Republic. Konstantin Ivanovich Finogenov (1902–1989) was a Soviet painter and graphic artist, a recipient of the Stalin Prize and one of the leading exponents of Socialist Realism. A frontline artist during the Second World War, he worked for Pravda and TASS Windows, documenting major campaigns including the Battle of Stalingrad and the capture of Berlin. Following the war, he travelled extensively throughout the Soviet Union and abroad, producing celebrated series devoted to China, Korea, Egypt and India. From 1951 to 1983 he taught at the Moscow State Pedagogical Institute, while his works entered the collections of major museums across the Soviet Union. 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.