Keywords: Russian avant garde, Suprematist composition, geometric abstract, Constructivist style, signed lower right, oil on canvas, relined canvas, modernist painting, abstract composition

Authentometer™: A8*

Summary:
Liubov Popova Russian geometric abstract oil on canvas painting. Bold Suprematist composition with interlocking black, ochre, cream, gray, and brown forms arranged in a vertical format. Signed lower right in Cyrillic. Oil on canvas.

The issue of a works history has proven especially problematic in the 20th Century,. Note: For example: Decades of suppression under Stalin and the promotion of official Socialist Realism resulted in many early abstract and futurist works being hoarded or stored away quietly and too often lack clear paper trails or history. There was a well publicized exhibition a few years ago of Russian works, controversy broke out criticizing some of the authorships and litigation followed. This work was not part of that exhibition.

(Presents well with some surface craquelure visible throughout and expected scattered age-related wear and minor abrasions. No major losses apparent) Canvas has been relined and is mounted on a later stretcher. General surface grime and handling wear consistent with age. Unframed.)

Measurement: 34 3/4 x 27 in. (88.3 x 68.6 cm.)

*AUTHENTOMETER™: The Authentometer™ is Collective Hudson’s 1–10 rating of our assessment of the available attribution and authenticity information for a work, with higher ratings indicating a greater degree of confidence. The rating may be applied to artworks where the price realized exceeds $5,000. Works rated A9 or A10 reflect our highest level of confidence in the stated attribution. An A8, A9 or A10 rated work may be returned for a refund within 30 days of the auction date if a recognized expert on the artist clearly states in writing that the work is not an authentic work by the artist described.

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