Description:

ALEXANDER KHARITONOV (RUSSIAN 1932-1933)
Izba, 1977
oil on canvas
22 x 33 cm (8 5/8 x 13 in.)
framed dimensions: 31 x 42 cm (12 1/4 x 16 1/2 in.)
signed and dated on the verso

PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist
Private Collection, Moscow
Private Collection, France
MacDougall's, November 26, 2014, Lot 217
Private Collection, New York

LOT NOTES
Alexander Kharitonov is widely regarded as one of the most singular voices in the Soviet nonconformist movement. Although lacking full formal training, he emerged in the late 1950s as part of the “Other Art” circle in Moscow, mounting his first solo exhibition in 1958 at Moscow State University. Over subsequent decades, he forged a deeply personal visual language that merged spiritual symbolism, Byzantine and Old Russian iconographic traditions, folk motifs, and the meticulous touch of miniature and needlework aesthetics. 

Kharitonov himself described his painting as built on three pillars: Byzantine & old Russian icon painting, and the decorative tradition of Church embroidery (beads, pearls, precious stones). He often invoked a pantheon of spiritual and literary mentors - Dostoevsky, Gogol, Savrasov, Florensky, and even Mozart - to suggest that his work inhabited a realm beyond purely visual expression. 

His career is often divided into two overlapping phases: an earlier period (late 1950s to late 1960s) marked by allegorical, fantastical imagery, and a mature period (1970s onward) in which he turned increasingly toward contemplative landscapes, vernacular architecture, and Christian-inflected rural scenes. 

In 1977, amid this shift, Kharitonov produced Izba, a quietly potent depiction of the rural Russian house. In Izba, one senses a fusion of the humble vernacular structure with metaphysical presence. The building does not merely sit in the landscape; it embodies timelessness, memory, and interior mystery. The delicacy of touch - tiny rhythmic brushstrokes, subtle modulation of tone - gives the structure a hushed reverence. The composition suggests more than domestic dwelling: it gestures toward spiritual sanctuary, rooted in the land but reaching beyond it.

CONDITION
This painting is in very good condition, with no issues to report.

N.B. Condition reports are available upon request. All lots are sold in as-is condition at the time of sale. Please note that any condition statement regarding works of art is given as a courtesy to our clients in order to assist them in assessing the condition. The report is a genuine opinion held by Shapiro Auctions and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report or a photograph does not preclude the absence of defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Shapiro Auctions, LLC., including its consultants and agents, shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords: Russian art, Russian nonconformist painting, Other Art, Soviet painting, Haritonoff, Soviet

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Other, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

List of Recommended Art/Antiques Packers and Shippers
- Global Transit Group (Rostislav), Tel. +1 (718) 449-1971, email: [email protected]) (Eastern Europe/Poland, and general worldwide shipping
- DG Moving Services (Dennis): +1 (914) 433-9764, email: [email protected]>
- ArtFira Shipping (Alex), Tel. +1 (917) 573-5688, email: [email protected] (also Eastern Europe Specialists)
- UPS Store New Rochelle, tel. (914) 633-6673, email: [email protected]
- UPS Store Mt. Kisco, tel. (914) 666-4336, email: [email protected]

List of Art/Antiques Shuttles and Delivery Services
- DG Moving Services (Dennis): +1 (914) 433-9764, email: [email protected] (NYC Greater Metropolitan Area, Mid-Atlantic, New England)
- Crossroads Delivery (Arthur): +1 (917) 807-3758, email: [email protected] (NYC Greater Metropolitan Area, Mid-Atlantic, New England, 95 Corridor to Miami, Chicago, California)
- Bob Glass: +1 (860) 608-8873, [email protected] (New England<->NYC)
- Cadogan Tate, https://cadogantate.com (Continental US)

Shipping Policies
- All items must be paid for before they can be released.
- Clients are free to choose their own shippers, and these recommendations are provided only for convenience. We will not accept liability for any recommendations of shippers.
- The purchaser is responsible for insuring their items in transit. Once items have been picked-up or released to a shipper, they are no longer covered under our insurance.
- Payment for shipment and arrangements for shipment, must be made with the shipper directly. Please feel free to ask for competitive shipment quotes pre or post-auction by referring to the auction date and lot number, when contacting the recommended shippers.
- Taxes must be paid on all items picked up in person, unless you present a valid resale certificate, or a common shipment courier is collecting for shipment out of state and can provide a bill of lading or a airwaybill number.
- To pick-up your items in person: Please call us at +1 (212) 717-7500 to make an appointment to pick up your items in person. If someone else whose name is not on the invoice will be picking up on your behalf, please email or fax us authorizing us to release your property to that person. Payment for all items must have been received and cleared, before merchandise can be released

October 25, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Bedford Hills, NY, US

Shapiro Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$1 - $999,999:
25.00%
$1,000,000 - $4,499,999:
20.00%
$4,500,000+:
13.90%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $29,999 $2,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $299,999 $20,000
$300,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 $999,999 $50,000
$1,000,000 + $100,000