94. Walk with the Sleigh [after 1895]

The work "A Walk with the Sleigh" represents a characteristic plot for the creativity of Yaroslav Veshin from the period after 1895. Before arriving in Bulgaria in 1897, the artist worked in Munich and Slovakia. During this period, everyday scenes are a main theme in his works. Even as an unestablished artist, for Veshin “a distinctive feature of the drawings are the vivid, directly seen images, always painted from nature, suggesting a great interest in reality, observation, experienced eye and skill of a future great painter". Curious from the early years of Yaroslav's creative development are two watercolor sketches, named "Troika", mentioned in the monograph about the artist by author Mara Tsoncheva. The plot is found in the artistic pursuits of the creator during different periods as it is extensively developed in the works "Slovak Wedding" (1887) and "Overtaking" (1897). Given this and the inscription -"Munich" on the work, the painting "A Walk with the Sleigh" can be dated after 1895. The work reveals a snowy and dynamic scene of rushing with a sleigh through the snow-covered locality Pusta (currently Northeastern Hungary). Depicted is a farmer with a leather cap, pulling the reins of two horses, and behind him in a wooden, unprocessed, rough sleigh sit two wrapped, huddled women, who enjoy the journey through the soft snow. The horses, which often appear in the work of Yaroslav Veshin, pull along the ridge with their power, despite the harsh conditions. On the right side of the picture, small houses are revealed, hidden under the fluffy snow cover. The artist manages to create a dynamic scene full of life in the vast whiteness of winter, with bold strokes, varying between realistic approach and creative impulse. The colorful clothes of the women are a bright color accent that conveys to the viewer the sense of constant joy of life of ordinary people, despite winter hardships and cold. This fairy-tale narrative may take us to memories of carefree childhood, which Yaroslav Veshin interprets in many of his works. "A Walk with the Sleigh" presents Veshin as a master of realistic and genre painting and leaves no doubt that he has rightly become one of the most significant artists of his time. (S.Y.)

References

Tsoncheva, Mara (1955). Yaroslav Veshin, life and work. Sofia: Bulgarian Artist Publishing House Friedrich von Boetticher, 19th Century Paintings, Dresden 1891-1901 (reissued in 1969), volume II. 2, p.929, No. 22 ("Merry Ride" - Lustige Fahrt)

Dimensions

width 68.5 cm, height 42.5 cm

Description

oil paints on canvas, signed and located lower right, in black, "Jaroslav-Vesin, Mnchn"

Research information

The work is mentioned in the book "Paintings from the 19th Century", Friedrich von Boetticher, Dresden 1891-1901, reissued in 1969, Volume II. 2, page 929, No. 22, under the title "Lustige Fahrt". The work meets the requirements for cultural value, according to the expert conclusion for identification.

Dating

after 1895

PROVENANCE

Until 2018, private collection Northern Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, acquired in 1899 from the auction house Rudolph Lekpe - Berlin, date of the auction 16.05.1899, lot number 73.

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