Sotheby's London, The Russian Sale, 31 May 2001, lot 36

Moscow, XI periodicheskaya vystavka Moskovskago obshchestva lyubitelei khudozhestv, 1891, no.77

Katalog kartin odinnadtsatoi periodicheskoi vystavki Moskovskago obshchestva lyubitelei khudozhestv, Moscow, 1891, p.5, no.77 listed as Kamen'shchiki

The canvas has been lined. There are pin holes to the corners and edges. The varnish has discloured and there is a layer of surface dirt. There is craquelure throughout which is more pronounced in the built-up areas of impasto, particularly the sand pit. There are abrasions with associated paint loss to the edges. Inspection under UV light reveals retouching to all four corners, the right edge as well as a few small areas in the upper half of the composition. Held in a gilt wooden frame. Unexamined out of frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Konovalov was a realist painter who exhibited with the Peredvizhniki. This finely executed large-scale composition was the artist's entry in the 1981 contest of the Moscow Society of Art Lovers. Artists submitted their works to the Society anonymously, marking them with symbols rather than signatures, such as the key here used by Konovalov.