Original canvas, which is buckling slightly in the lower right and upper right corners and which shows some creasing and minor dents in places. There are losses to the canvas in the corners. Several small patches are visible on the reverse. There are abrasions and minor losses along the edges as well as a few scattered flecks of paint loss. There are a few scattered surface scratches. There is a layer of surface dirt. Inspection under UV light reveals a few areas of retouching to the purple in the centre left and a few minor scattered retouchings around the inscription in the lower left. Held in simple 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."

Originally from Norway, Christian Cornelius Krohn, better known as Xan, and his Russian-Swedish wife Julie de Holmberg were key members of the Russian avant-garde in the early part of the 20^th century. Xan first moved to Russia in 1905 to study under Ilya Repin before relocating to Munich and then Paris, where he met Julie. They married in 1907 and moved to Kiev, then one of the artistic and cultural centres of the Russian Empire, where they were close friends with Alexandra Exter.

Xan participated twice in the exhibitions of the Knave of Diamonds society in Moscow, first in 1912 and again in the 1916 exhibition, which also included works by Julie. By this time the couple was living in the capital and Xan had established himself as a successful portrait painter. In 1915 and 1916, he painted two portraits of renowned collector Sergei Shchukin, both of which are now in the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.

After the Russian Revolution the Krohns settled in Oslo where they remained for the rest of their lives.