Viktor Dmitrievich Pivovarov (Russian, 1937) La Dispute Littéraire/ The Literary Dispute signé en cyrillique (en bas à droite) ; daté « 1985 » (en bas au centre) huile sur toile 56 x 76cm (22 1/16 x 29 15/16in). signed in Cyrillic (lower right); dated '1985' (lower centre) oil on canvas Footnotes: Provenance Acquired directly from the artist in Moscow Collection of Eric Peschler, Switzerland Thence by descent to the present owner One of the leading exponents of Moscow Conceptualism, Viktor Pivovarov sought, through his art, to delve into the depths of human consciousness. The central theme of his works is a philosophical exploration of humanity's place in the universe as a holistic, well-organised and highly complex system. As a result, his works are a symbiosis of fantastical characters or objects and real-life figures. Surrealist motifs and references drawn from book illustrations form the basis of the artist's compositions, in which, more often than not, a solitary figure engages in dialogue with the world around them. His works serve as a gateway to the world of the subconscious. A world brought to life through a unique construction of space that transcends the familiar. Italian artists fascinated by metaphysics - in particular Giorgio de Chirico and Giorgio Morandi - as well as the Surrealists, undoubtedly influenced Pivovarov's stylistic and conceptual development. Literally Dispute, painted with sweeping brushstrokes in pastel tones, is a fine example of the work of a mature artist. The tranquil colour scheme, with its soft pink, mint and blue hues, contrasts with - but does not clash with - the grey, purple and ash-blue colours, suggesting a deep, esoteric interconnection between the elements of the painting. The composition of the painting is centred on surrealistic figures seated at a table. A man - a rat gazes with mild surprise at the objects placed before him, whilst the other figure turns away in disgust. This surrealist composition, with objects that appear to be entirely unrelated, is a 'metaphor' for the space to which they belong. Pivovarov mainly paints so-called 'open paintings', this work, like all the others, requires independent engagement on the part of the viewer. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * AR * VAT on imported items at the preferential rate (currently 5.5 %) on Hammer price and Buyer's Premium for artworks, collectibles and antiques if the item remains in EU. TVA sur les objets importés au taux réduit (actuellement 5,5 %) appliquée au prix d'adjudication et à la commission acheteur pour les œuvres d'art, objets de collection et antiquités, dans le cas où l'objet reste dans l'Union européenne. AR Marchandises soumises au droit de suite de l'artiste payable par l'acheteur. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing