Timoleon von Neff Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Timoleon von Neff Art Value Price Guide

Jun. 25, 2024
TIMOFEY NEFF (CARL TIMOLEON VON NEFF) (1804-1876) A pair of Putti
Est: €20,000 - €25,000
signed and dated 'Neff 1851' (center left) oil on canvas, oval 77.5 x 61 cm painted in 1851
Hermitage Fine Art
Dec. 11, 2023
TIMOFEY NEFF (CARL TIMOLEON VON NEFF) (1804-1876) A pair of Putti
Est: €20,000 - €25,000
signed and dated 'Neff 1851' (center left) oil on canvas, oval 77.5 x 61 cm painted in 1851signé et daté ‘Neff 1851’ (au centre à gauche) huile sur toile, ovale 77,5 x 61 cm peint en 1851
Hermitage Fine Art
Dec. 02, 2023
Carl Timoleon von Neff
Est: €8,500 - €17,000
(1804 oder 1805 Gutshof Püssi/Estland - 1877 St. Petersburg) Oval-Bildnis einer jungen Adeligen aus der baltischen Adelsfamilie Zoege von Manteuffel In sehr feiner, lasierender Malweise ausgeführtes Brustbildnis, das durch seine subtile Figurencharakterisierung und die Lebendigkeit des offenen Ausdrucks, mit dem uns die Dame mit leuchtenden Glanzpunkten auf ihren olivgrünen Augen entgegenschaut, herausragt. Das ganz leicht ins Profil gedrehte Gesicht hat Neff kunstvoll durch einen weichen Farbenschmelz des Inkarnats in Elfenbein- und Rosatönen modelliert, die dunkelblonden Haare sind seitlich zu zwei Schnecken geflochten. Der Ausblick auf eine weite, bewaldete Landschaft mit duftig blauem Sommerhimmel im Hintergrund vervollständigt den harmonischen Ausdruck, den das gesamte Porträt vermittelt. Durch seine Datierung 1827 gehört es zu den frühesten Meisterwerken des bedeutenden deutsch-baltischen Malers. Neff studierte seit 1824 Malerei an der Kunstakademie Dresden, nach seinem Abschluss 1826 reiste er und teilte sich seine Zeit zwischen seiner Heimat Estland, Italien und St. Petersburg auf. Durch sein Talent als Porträtist erregte er schnell die Aufmerksamkeit des Zarenhofes und stieg zum Hofmaler auf. Seit 1839 lehrte Neff an der Kunstakademie, 1849 wurde ihm der Professorentitel verliehen. Neff, der in den Salons und höchsten Adelskreisen verkehrte, war einer der bedeutendsten Bildnismaler seiner Zeit im russischen Reich, zu dem damals auch das Baltikum gehörte. Öl/Lwd.; Über der rechten Schulter der Dargestellten sign. u. dat. "CT Neff 1827" ("CT" in Ligatur). Verso von fremder Hand bez. mit Angaben zur Dargestellten aus der Familie Zoege von Manteuffel. 62,5 cm x 53,5 cm. Rahmen. Carl Timoleon von Neff war der Sohn von Heinrich Otto Zoege von Manteuffel (1779 - 1883) und Stiefsohn von Anna Christina Zoege von Manteuffel (geb. Gräfin Dücker, 1788 - 1829), wodurch er eine Beziehung zu der Adelsfamilie hatte; der Maler Otto Zoege von Manteuffel (1822 - 1889) assistierte Carl Timoleon von Neff bei den Ausmalungen in der Isaakskathedrale. Das Estländische Kunstmuseum in Tallinn besitzt unter seinen vielen Werken Neffs auch ein Porträtpaar der Familie Zoege von Manteuffel. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated "CT Neff 1827". Inscribed on the reverse.
Kunstauktionshaus Schloss Ahlden
Nov. 25, 2023
Timoléon van Neff (Mödders/Estland 1805 - St. Petersburg 1876), attr. Lady with a Pearl Necklace.
Est: -
1831. Oil/canvas. 35 x 28 cm. On the reverse cyrillic inscription and dat. 1831, on the stretcher Christie's block stamp. Inconspicuous retouchings. - Russian painter of Estonian origin. N. studied at the Dresden Academy from 1824 and became court painter in St. Petersburg in 1831. As early as 1839 he taught at the Petersburg Academy, where he received the title of professor in 1849. In addition to portraits for the Russian high nobility, N. also emerged as a careful innovator of icon painting and received significant commissions in this field. Mus.: St. Petersburg (Russ. Mus.), Moskau (Tretjakow Gal.). Lit.: Thieme-Becker.
Auktionshaus Stahl
May. 07, 2023
Carl Timoleon von Neff
Est: €9,500 - €19,000
(1804 oder 1805 Gutshof Püssi/Estland - 1877 St. Petersburg) Oval-Bildnis einer jungen Adeligen aus der baltischen Adelsfamilie Zoege von Manteuffel In sehr feiner, lasierender Malweise ausgeführtes Brustbildnis, das durch seine subtile Figurencharakterisierung und die Lebendigkeit des offenen Ausdrucks, mit dem uns die Dame mit leuchtenden Glanzpunkten auf ihren olivgrünen Augen entgegenschaut, herausragt. Das ganz leicht ins Profil gedrehte Gesicht hat Neff kunstvoll durch einen weichen Farbenschmelz des Inkarnats in Elfenbein- und Rosatönen modelliert, die dunkelblonden Haare sind seitlich zu zwei Schnecken geflochten. Der Ausblick auf eine weite, bewaldete Landschaft mit duftig blauem Sommerhimmel im Hintergrund vervollständigt den harmonischen Ausdruck, den das gesamte Porträt vermittelt. Durch seine Datierung 1827 gehört es zu den frühesten Meisterwerken des bedeutenden deutsch-baltischen Malers. Neff studierte seit 1824 Malerei an der Kunstakademie Dresden, nach seinem Abschluss 1826 reiste er und teilte sich seine Zeit zwischen seiner Heimat Estland, Italien und St. Petersburg auf. Durch sein Talent als Porträtist erregte er schnell die Aufmerksamkeit des Zarenhofes und stieg zum Hofmaler auf. Seit 1839 lehrte Neff an der Kunstakademie, 1849 wurde ihm der Professorentitel verliehen. Neff, der in den Salons und höchsten Adelskreisen verkehrte, war einer der bedeutendsten Bildnismaler seiner Zeit im russischen Reich, zu dem damals auch das Baltikum gehörte. Öl/Lwd.; Über der rechten Schulter der Dargestellten sign. u. dat. "CT Neff 1827" ("CT" in Ligatur). Verso von fremder Hand bez. mit Angaben zur Dargestellten aus der Familie Zoege von Manteuffel. 62,5 cm x 53,5 cm. Rahmen. Carl Timoleon von Neff war der Sohn von Heinrich Otto Zoege von Manteuffel (1779 - 1883) und Stiefsohn von Anna Christina Zoege von Manteuffel (geb. Gräfin Dücker, 1788 - 1829), wodurch er eine Beziehung zu der Adelsfamilie hatte; der Maler Otto Zoege von Manteuffel (1822 - 1889) assistierte Carl Timoleon von Neff bei den Ausmalungen in der Isaakskathedrale. Das Estländische Kunstmuseum in Tallinn besitzt unter seinen vielen Werken Neffs auch ein Porträtpaar der Familie Zoege von Manteuffel. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated "CT Neff 1827". Inscribed on the reverse.
Kunstauktionshaus Schloss Ahlden
Dec. 04, 2022
Carl Timoleon von Neff
Est: €14,000 - €28,000
(1804 Gutshof Püssi/Estland - 1877 St. Petersburg) nach Zwei Nymphen in einer Felsengrotte Am Ufer einer Quelle ruhende, mit Perlen und Gold geschmückte Akte auf weißen und roten Tüchern. Während die eine der Nymphen sich der anderen und dem Betrachter zuwendet, ist die andere als Rückenakt bzw. im Profil dargestellt und deutet mit der Linken auf zwei fliegende, blaue Schmetterlinge. Das feinflüssig gemalte Gemälde basiert auf einem bekannten, 1859 vollendeten Werk Carl Timoleon von Neffs (Original heute im Staatl. Russischen Museum in St. Petersburg). Von Neff wiederum griff auf eine erhaltene Komposition von Louis Hersent (1777 - 1860) aus dem Jahre 1830 zurück (versteigert 25.06.1998 bei Christie's, London, Lot-Nr. 296). Wie Hersent, der seit 1826 als Professor an der École des Beaux-Arts in Paris lehrte, ragt auch das Gemälde Neffs durch seine effektvolle Lichtführung auf die Aktfiguren und die koloristisch virtuose, plastisch modellierende Gestaltung des Inkarnats heraus. Neff studierte ab 1824 Malerei an der Kunstakademie Dresden und war ab 1826 in Sankt Petersburg ansässig. Dort stieg er durch sein Talent rasch zum hoch geachteten Hofmaler Zar Nikolaus I. auf, wurde mit Titeln geehrt und lehrte ab 1839 an der Kunstakademie. Neff, der in den bedeutendsten Salons und höchsten Adelskreisen Russlands verkehrte, war einer der bedeutendsten russischen Bildnismaler seiner Zeit. Neben seinen Porträts der Zarenfamilie und der Aristokratie wurde er besonders durch seine Gemälde mit Darstellungen von Badenden, Nymphen, Odalisken und weiblichen Akten berühmt. Öl/Lwd., doubl.; 118,5 cm x 138 cm. Rahmen. After Timofeij Andreevic (Carl Timoleon) von Neff (1804 - 1876). Oil on canvas, relined.
Kunstauktionshaus Schloss Ahlden
Apr. 03, 2022
Carl Timoleon von Neff (1804-1877): Nude
Est: Kč15,000 - Kč18,000
Oil on wood. 19th century. 32 x 22,5 cm.
Arcimboldo Auctions
Jan. 22, 2022
Carl Timoleon von Neff, auch Timofej Andreevitsch Neff (1805 - 1877, deutschbaltischer kaiserlich russischer Hofmaler)
Est: -
Carl Timoleon von Neff, auch Timofej Andreevitsch Neff (1805 - 1877, deutschbaltischer kaiserlich russischer Hofmaler) zug. an., Landschaft, Öl auf Lwd., u.li. monogrammiert 18H65, Maße: 28,5 x 40 cm, guter Zustand, Craquelee.
Auktionshaus Demessieur
Jun. 05, 2021
Painting portraing a lady in three quarters with forget-me-not flowers in her hands by Carl Timoleon von Neff
Est: €37,000 - €55,500
Romantic portrait of a joung lady in three quarters with forget-me-not flowers in her hands, that are a symbol of love and grief, delicate picturesque coloring, oild on canvas, 1869, Europe, Signed Neff.
Pragma
May. 23, 2020
Attributed to Timofei von Neff (Russian 1805-1876).
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Attributed to Timofei von Neff (Russian 1805-1876), oil on canvas, 39,5 x 32,5 cm, signed i.i.
Arman Antiques LLC
Oct. 19, 2019
Attributed to Timofei von Neff (Russian, 1805-1876)
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
Attributed to Timofei von Neff (Russian 1805-1876), oil on canvas, 39,5 x 32,5 cm, signed i.i.
Arman Antiques LLC
Oct. 27, 2017
UNKNOWN ARTIST MIDDLE XIX CENTURY Portrait of the Emperess Alexandra F
Est: €1,500 - €2,000
UNKNOWN ARTIST MIDDLE XIX CENTURY Portrait of the Emperess Alexandra Feodorovna, after Carl Timoleon von Neff (1805-1876/1877) miniature watercolour and whitewash on ivory 5 х 3,2 см НЕИЗВЕСТНЫЙ ХУДОЖНИК СЕРЕДИНЫ XIX ВЕКА Портрет императрицы Александры Федоровны. После 1845. Фрагментарная варьированная копия с оригинала Т. А. Неффа (1805-1876/1877), созданного до 1845 г., хранящегося в ГМЗ «Павловск» (на временном хранении в ГМЗ «Царское Село») миниатюра кость, акварель, белила 5 х 3,2 см На обороте не идентифицируемые инвентарные номера: «46 / Инв. 1b58 / 63/83» (чернила). В оригинальной бронзовой позолоченной раме, под стеклом. Миниатюра выполнена на высоком художественном уровне; обладает существенным культурно-историческим значением.
Hermitage Fine Art
Dec. 09, 2016
Timoleon Karl Neff. 1805 Mödders (Estland) - 1876 St. Petersburg. Wurde 1831 Hofmaler 1864 Konservator der Eremitage.
Est: -
{Timoleon Karl Neff. 1805 Mödders (Estland) - 1876 St. Petersburg. Wurde 1831 Hofmaler 1864 Konservator der Eremitage.} Zugeschr. Stehender weiblicher Akt vor Felsnische. Öl/Holz. 32 x 22 5 cm. R
Auktionshaus Zeller
Jul. 12, 2016
Timoleon Karl Nehf von Neff or AKA- Timofey Andreyevich Neff (Russian Federation 1805 - 1876) oil on canvas, "MARY MAGDALENE" canvas sizes 27" x 22"
Est: $500 - $1,000
Timoleon Karl Nehf von Neff or AKA- Timofey Andreyevich Neff (Russian Federation 1805 - 1876) oil on canvas, "MARY MAGDALENE" canvas sizes 27" x 22"
Bill Hood & Sons Arts & Antiques Auctions
May. 28, 2016
TIMOFEY ANDREEVICH NEFF(RUSSIAN, 1805-1876)
Est: $10,000 - $25,000
TIMOFEY ANDREEVICH NEFF(RUSSIAN, 1805-1876),oil on canvas,40 x 32 cm.
Arman Antiques LLC
May. 03, 2016
Timoleon Karl Nehf von Neff or AKA- Timofey Andreyevich Neff (Russian Federation 1805 - 1876) oil on canvas, "MARY MAGDALENE" canvas sizes 27" x 22"
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Timoleon Karl Nehf von Neff or AKA- Timofey Andreyevich Neff (Russian Federation 1805 - 1876) oil on canvas, "MARY MAGDALENE" canvas sizes 27" x 22"
Bill Hood & Sons Arts & Antiques Auctions
Feb. 05, 2016
TIMOFEY ANDREEVICH NEFF(RUSSIAN, 1805-1876)
Est: $25,000 - $40,000
TIMOFEY ANDREEVICH NEFF(RUSSIAN, 1805-1876),oil on canvas,40 x 32 cm.
Arman Antiques LLC
Dec. 07, 2015
Timoléon C. v. Neff, Portrait of Empress Alexandra Fjodorovna
Est: €9,000 - €11,700
Oil on canvas, relined Russia, presumably c. 1820/30 Timoléon Carl von Neff (1805-1876) – Russian portait and genre painter With a certificate (PDF) by Nina Lapidus, October 2015; we thank the expert for her professional scientific assistance Dimensions: 143 x 106 cm Good condition Provenance: Private collection, Poland The portrait of the Empress follows the Classicist tradition, but also reveals Romantic influences of the 1830/40s Estimate by Auctionata Expert: 18,000 Euro When Timoléon Carl von Neff portrayed the Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna (1798-1860), born Princess Charlotte of Prussia, he experienced the peak of his artistic career. In 1817, the beautiful daughter of the Prussian king had been married to Tsar Nicholas I and had thus attained the ruling dynasty of Russia. Her slim silhouette is shown in front of a red curtain and seated on the imperial throne. Her precious dress is covered by a heavy golden cape with ermine trimmings, which symbolize her royal status. Her neck and wrist are decorated with elegant pearls, whereas a blue ribbon adorns her waist. On her head she wears a small diamond crown that flatters her aristocratic face and her bright blue eyes. As it was a common tradition for noblemen’s portraits of that time, famous artists often produced a number of replicas of a work that could be used, for instance, as a gift. A further variant of the offered portrait can thus be found at the Art Museum in Irkutsk. Condition: The canvas is relined and has a new stretcher. The paint surface shows fine craquelure and tiny chippings throughout. Inspection under UV light reveals areas of retouching to the face, the sitter’s body and the background. Some of them are also visible to the naked eye. The stretcher measures 143 x 106 cm. Timoléon Carl von Neff (1805-1876) From 1824 Timoléon Carl von Neff attended the Art Academy in Dresden to study painting. After his studies, he worked in St. Petersburg, where Tsar Nicholas I soon made him his court painter. From 1835 to 1837 he travelled through Italy. From 1839 Neff was active as a lecturer at the Petersburg Academy of Arts and painted the interior of the chapel in the Winter Palace. In 1950 he established his own studio in Piera (Piira) and initiated a great private art collection, now primarily preserved at the Kumu Kunstimuuseum in Tallinn. From 1844 to 1857 the painter created the interior paintings of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, which was followed by his appointment as a professor of the Art Academy, as well as his position as a conservator of the Hermitage. Neff's oeuvre comprises mainly portraits, female nudes and genre paintings as well as mythological and biblical scenes, some commissioned by the Orthodox Church. Timoléon Carl von Neff frequented the most important salons and moved in the circles of the Russian aristocracy. His works can be found, for instance, at the Hermitage and at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. (cbo) Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.
Auctionata Paddle8 AG
Dec. 02, 2014
Timoléon Carl von Neff, Madonna, late 1840s
Est: €12,800 - €16,000
Oil on wood St. Petersburg, Russia, late 1840s Timoléon Carl von Neff (1805-1876) - Russian painter With a report from Nina Lapidus, Estonia, 2013 Opulent gilt frame Dimensions: 68 x 40 cm Provenance: Private collection, Germany Already in his lifetime, Neff is a highly valued history and portrait painter, who devoted himself to religious themes time and time again; the auction record for one of his paintings is currently set at over €250,000 This portrait of a Madonna is executed by the Russian painter Timoléon Carl von Neff. The young Virgin Mother is depicted before of a brown background, in iconographically typical pose with a purple robe and royal blue cloak. Her eyes cast to the floor, she avoids the viewer's gaze, which is thus directed to the divine infant in her lap. Neff created a comparable work with Madonna and Child in 1874. These works exhibit the influence of the Italian masters of the late Renaissance, whom Neff collected and admired ardently. In addition to his portraits, Neff created several painting with biblical themes as well as religious paintings and icons for Russian-Orthodox churches. An expert's report by Nina Lapidus, Estonia from 2013 (in Russian) confirms the authorship. According to the report and the findings of the restoration, have been recognized fragments of the signature under UV-light and the microscope before the restauration. Ms. Lapidus has confirmed the expertise via e-mail. The restored painting shows craquelure all over and there are retouchings to the background, the clothes as well as partially to the faces. The frame shows some losses. The framed work measures 87 x 57 cm, the panel measures 68 x 40 cm. Timoléon Carl von Neff (1805-1876) From 1824 Timoléon Carl von Neff attended the Art Academy in Dresden to study painting. After his studies, he worked in St. Petersburg where Tsar Nicholas I made him his court painter. A stay in Italy, where Neff continued his studies, followed. From 1839 Neff held a position as a lecturer at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. In 1950 he established his own studio on his estate in Piera (Piira), where a large part of his work was created. In addition, Neff compiled an extensive art collection, which is now mostly held at the Estonian Art Museum in Tallinn. The painter became a curator at the Hermitage and was the artistic supervisor of the imperial palaces. Neff's oeuvre comprises mainly portraits, female nudes and genre paintings as well as mythological and biblical scenes, some commissioned by the Orthodox Church. Timoléon Carl von Neff frequented the most important salons and moved in the circles of the Russian aristocracy. Today he is still regarded as one of the most important Russian portrait painters of his time. Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.
Auctionata Paddle8 AG
Mar. 28, 2014
(19th century copy of ) NEFF, TIMOLEON CARL VON
Est: CHF5,000 - CHF7,000
(19th century copy of ) NEFF, TIMOLEON CARL VON (Mödders 1805- 1876 St. Petersburg) Two nymphs at a spring. Oil on canvas. 118.2 x 138.3 cm. Provenance: Swiss private collection. NEFF, TIMOLEON CARL VON (KOPIE DES 19. JAHRHUNDERTS) (Mödders 1805- 1876 St. Petersburg) Zwei Nymphen an einer Quelle. Öl auf Leinwand. 118,2 x 138,3 cm. Provenienz: Schweizer Privatbesitz. Der Prototyp dieses Gemäldes befindet sich im Russischen Museum, Sankt Petersburg.
Koller Auctions
Dec. 18, 2013
Timoléon Carl von NEFF (Mödders 1805-Saint Petersbourg 1876) Une jeune romaine à la guitare Toile 56,5 × 41 cm Signé, localisé et tr...
Est: €4,000 - €6,000
Timoléon Carl von NEFF (Mödders 1805-Saint Petersbourg 1876) Une jeune romaine à la guitare Toile 56,5 × 41 cm Signé, localisé et trace de date en bas à gauche Neff Romae fecit / 18 ? RM
Piasa
Nov. 15, 2013
NEHF VON NEFF, TIMOLEON CARL 1805 Mödder - 1876 St. Petersburg Porträt einer jungen Dame mit Harfe. Öl auf Leinwand. 66,5 x 57cm. Signiert unten links: C. Neff. Rahmen.
Est: €7,000 - €8,000
NEHF VON NEFF, TIMOLEON CARL 1805 Mödder - 1876 St. Petersburg Portrait of a young Lady with Harp. Oil on canvas. 66,5 x 57cm. Signed lower left: C. Neff. Framed.
Van Ham Kunstauktionen
Jun. 13, 2013
Timoléon von Neff Russia 1805-1876 In the manner
Est: kr20,000 - kr25,000
Timoléon von Neff Russia 1805-1876 In the manner of, 19th century. Two women by a loggia. Oil on canvas, 51 x 40.5 cm.
Auktionskammare Uppsala
May. 30, 2012
NEFF, TIMOFEY (1805-1876) Portrait of a Countess,
Est: £12,000 - £18,000
NEFF, TIMOFEY (1805-1876) Portrait of a Countess, signed and dated 1848, further inscribed in Cyrillic on the reverse. Oil on canvas, 23.5 by 18 cm. Authenticity of the work has been confirmed by the expert V. Petrov.
MacDougall's
Nov. 24, 2010
Timoléon Carl von Neff, style, 19th century:
Est: €1,350 - €2,000
Timoléon Carl von Neff, style, 19th century: Portait of a young woman. Bears the signature Neff. Oil on canvas. Oval. 69 x 59 cm.
Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers
Jun. 09, 2010
TIMOFEY ANDREEVICH NEFF
Est: £30,000 - £50,000
TIMOFEY ANDREEVICH NEFF 1805-1876 PORTRAIT OF A LADY-IN-WAITING TO ALEXANDRA FEDOROVNA signed in Latin and dated 1835 l.l. oil on canvas 42.5 by 33.4cm, 16 3/4 by 13 1/4 in.
Sotheby's
Nov. 27, 2008
Timoleon Karl von Neff (1804-1876)
Est: £20,000 - £30,000
Timoleon Karl von Neff (1804-1876) Two street urchins on a rooftop with a panorama of Rome beyond signed, inscribed and dated 'Neff/Rome/1843' (lower right) oil on canvas 15½ x 12½ in. (39.3 x 31.7 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 21, 2008
Timoléon Carl von Neff, ascribed to: Portrait of
Est: - €13,500
Timoléon Carl von Neff, ascribed to: Portrait of Otto Reinhold von Essen in Russian military uniform.
Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers
Nov. 01, 2008
Timoléon Carl Nehf VON NEFF (1805-1876) - La
Est: €20,000 - €30,000
Timoléon Carl Nehf VON NEFF (1805-1876) - La conteuse orientale.
Leclere - Maison de ventes
Oct. 20, 2007
ATTRIBUTED TO TIMOLEON KARL VON NEFF [TIMOFEY
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
ATTRIBUTED TO TIMOLEON KARL VON NEFF [TIMOFEY ANDREEVICH NEFF] (RUSSIAN 1805-1876), "Putti Holding a Wreath," oil on canvas, 30 1/2 x 24 1/2 in. (77.5 x 62.2 cm.), signed and dated upper left.
Shapiro Auctions LLC
Sep. 18, 2007
NEFF, TIMOLEON KARL VON
Est: CHF10,000 - CHF15,000
NEFF, TIMOLEON KARL VON (Mödders 1805 - 1876 St. Petersburg) The rooftops of Rome with two boys in the foreground. Oil on canvas. Signed lower left and inscribed: Neff. Rome 1843. 40.2 x 32.1 cm. NEFF, TIMOLEON KARL VON (Mödders 1805 - 1876 St. Petersburg) Über den Dächern von Rom mit zwei Knaben im Vordergrund. Öl auf Leinwand. Unten links signiert und bezeichnet: Neff. Rom 1843. 40,2 x 32,1 cm.
Koller Auctions
May. 31, 2001
Timofei Andreevich von Neff, 1805-1876
Est: £120,000 - £180,000
Timofei Andreevich von Neff, 1805-1876 a bathing nude: a portrait of princess ekaterina mikhailovna dolgorouka oil on panel, in original elaborate carved gilt-wood frame signed middle right excluding frame: 80 by 55cm., 31I by 21Nin. Ekaterina Dolgoruka was the mistress and later morganatic wife of Emperor Alexander II. She was born on 14th December 1847, the daughter of Prince Michael Dolgorouky; she first met the Tzar in 1857 when he attended military manoevres in Volhynia and stayed at her father's mansion at Tieplovka. Prince Michael was a spendthrift who died a bankrupt and the Tsar took it upon himself to become the guardian of his children and to ensure their education. The boys went to military academies and the girls at the Smolny Institute. Alexander regularly visited the Smolny, where he saw and conversed with Ekaterina, eventually declaring his love for her when they met during one of his habitual walks in the Summer Gardens of St. Petersburg. In 1866 she became his mistress with their first intimate meeting, taking place in the 12th June at the Belvedere Pavilion near Peterhof. The following year their affair became widely known and Alexander promised that as soon as he was free, he would marry her. She was seventeen he was forty-seven. Extremely discrete, Ekaterina was rarely seen in public and in May 1872 gave birth to her first son George, and in November the following year to a daughter, Olga. Several months after this, Alexander passed a secret ukaz by which the children were raised to the rank of the Prince and Princess and allowed to use the patronymic Alexandrovich. Increasingly aware of the risk to his life from terrorist revolutionaries, when his consort Empress Maria Feodorovna died on 3rd June 1880, he lost little time legitimizing Ekaterina's position, he married Ekaterina after the briefest period of mourning, at a simple ceremony held in an apartment at Tsarskoe-Selo on the 18th July. Alexander conferred the title Most Serene Highness Princess Yourievsky on Ekaterina, and the children were legitimized. It is widely believed that it was Alexander's intention to crown her as his consort. Alexander II was assassinated on 13th March 1881, and whilst his body lay in state, the distraught Princess cut off her long hair and placed the tresses in the hands of her dead husband. The following year she left with her family for France, and in 1888 she settled in Nice where she lived until her death in 1922. Her estate was sold at auction at Hotel Drouot in Paris on the 6th June 1931 and at the Hotel Savoy in Nice, in the summer of 1941. Neff was well known for his rather idealized society portraits and the present image of Ekaterina Dolgorouka should be compared with a group of fourteen photographs of her taken at various stages of her life. Prior to the birth of her son George in 1872, her elaborate hairstyle was identical to as it is in the Neff's portrait. (See Prince George Yourievsky (intro.) Alexander II in Tsarskoe Seloe, St. Petersburg, 2000, for a comparable photographic image of her, taken in Paris in 1867). The Pompeian decoration in the background is also characteristic of Imperial country houses of the period most especially those built by Stakenschneider, and similar designs are to be found in the Belevedere Pavilion. Timofei Andreievich Neff was painter to the Imperial Court; the favourite artist of Nicholas I and during his lifetime was hugely fashionable both in Russia and Europe. He was born on the Morders estate in Estonia, Karl Karlovich Morders being the principal tutor to the children of Nicholas I. Whilst studying at the Dresden Academy he travelled to Rome (1823-24) where he came into contact with the Nazarene artists. He arrived in St. Petersburg in 1826 was nominated Painter to the Imperial Court in 1832. In 1839 he was honoured as an Academician for his work on the small chapel of the Winter Palace. (We are indebted to Dimitri Matlin of the Alexander Historical Society St.Petersburg, for his help in cataloguing this lot.)
Sotheby's