28th Mar, 2021 13:00
The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction
PETRUSHKA, A TERRACOTTA SCULPTURE BY BENNO SCHOTZ
* BENNO SCHOTZ RSA (ESTONIAN 1891 - 1984),
PETRUSHKA
terracotta, signed
36cm.
Note: Petrushka tells the story of the loves and jealousies of three puppets. The three are brought to life by the Charlatan during the 1830 Shrovetide Fair (Maslenitsa) in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Petrushka loves the Ballerina, but she rejects him. She prefers the Moor. Petrushka is angry and hurt, and challenges the Moor. The Moor kills him with his scimitar. Petrushka's ghost rises above the puppet theatre as night falls. He shakes his fist at the Charlatan, then collapses in a second death. Lot includes a 1964 letter to the owner stating that, on enquiry, Schotz had confirmed that the figure was by him, that it was inspired by a performance in Glasgow of the Ballet Petrushka, as one of three in (approximately) 1946.
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Sold for £440
Estimated at £450 - £650
Condition Report
Condition is very good overall, with no visible signs of restoration, damage, or known issues. Additional images have been uploaded to our website.
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