Bidspirit auction | A VASILY YAKOVLEVICH SITNIKOV (1915–1987),

A VASILY YAKOVLEVICH SITNIKOV (1915–1987), DOUBLE-SIDED PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN, 1939 AND 1951 - Oil on canvas, painted on both sides. One side depicts a haunting bust-length portrait of a young woman executed in 1939, rendered in a restrained palette of warm ochres, browns, and grays. The elongated face, dark eyes, and understated modeling already reveal the artist's distinctive psychological intensity. The reverse bears a second portrait of the same sitter, dated December 23, 1951, inscribed by the artist in Cyrillic: ”On the reverse side, portrait of my sister, 1951-XII-23. Vasily Yakovlevich Sitnikov. Moscow Center, Malaya Lubyanka, house 10, apt. 47. An additional inscription identifies the 1939 image as ”Portrait of Sister.” The work is accompanied by a period photograph showing Sitnikov standing before the 1939 portrait, providing rare documentary evidence linking the artist to the painting. The present work is an important early example by Vasily Sitnikov, one of the most remarkable figures of Soviet unofficial art. A self-taught artist and legendary teacher within Moscow's underground artistic circles, Sitnikov became known for his highly personal style and profound psychological portraits. His works are held in major collections including the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the Zimmerli Art Museum. The dual-sided nature of the canvas offers an unusual opportunity to trace the artist's development across twelve years. The 1939 portrait is sparse and introspective, almost spectral in its treatment, while the 1951 version displays a greater confidence in modeling, color, and characterization. Together, they form an intimate family document and a rare insight into Sitnikov's formative artistic years before he emerges as a leading figure of the Soviet nonconformist movement. Dimensions: 32 1/4 x 22 in., (81.5 x 56 cm.) Conditions: The canvas remains unlined and appears to retain its original support. Both painted surfaces exhibit age-related craquelure, surface abrasion, scattered paint losses, areas of thinning, and visible wear consistent with the artist's working methods and age. The 1939 portrait shows notable surface rubbing and paint attenuation. The work is housed in a later carved frame. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided.