Filled with seasonal charm and details, "Winter Sled Scene," attributed to Ukrainian-Russian artist Stepan Kolesnikoff (1879-1955), presents a quaint winter village scene. This gouache on paper board, measuring 21 inches high by 27 inches wide, arrived at The Conservation Center within a frame, bearing the marks of time and handling.
Winter Sled Scene, before treatment
Kolesnikoff, a Realist painter, was born in Ukraine in 1879. His artistic journey began at the Odessa Institute of Art, graduating with high honors in 1903, which led to his acceptance at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. Under the guidance of Russian landscape painter Alexander Kiselev, Kolesnikoff honed his skills and graduated in 1909. From 1915 to 1920, he resided in Odessa, showcasing his works regularly at exhibitions featuring artists from Southern Russia. Later, in the 1920s, Kolesnikoff immigrated to Belgrade, Serbia, where he became a respected professor at the Belgrade Academy of Fine Arts. His artistic creations gained extraordinary acclaim in the world of Russian fine art. This particular piece showcases Kolesnikoff's penchant for capturing the hushed beauty of winter, transporting viewers into a picturesque setting blanketed in snow, with sleds and figures amidst the frosty tranquility.
Winter Sled Scene, before treatment, verso
The artwork arrived at The Conservation Center displaying telltale signs of its age and handling. Issues ranging from handling dents and tears to age-related discoloration marred its surface. An especially significant crack was running through a large area of the painting, about one-third the width of the painting, then running down to the bottom edge in the lower left quadrant. Lauren Luciano, Associate Conservator of Works on Paper, led the meticulous conservation process, commencing with in-house photography to document the artwork's condition before treatment began.
Winter Sled Scene, before treatment detail of crack
Lauren delicately navigated the conservation, employing a meticulous approach. Precision-guided surface cleaning, using crumbled-eraser on verso and sponge eraser, and a soft brush on the recto to remove surface grime and accretions. Tear repairs were performed using Japanese tissue and wheat starch paste. Then, Lauren meticulously compensated the repaired tears using watercolor paints and colored pencils. Challenges arose during the retouching phase, notably in the sky areas, where capturing the nuances of the wintry atmosphere demanded finesse. However, Lauren's expertise prevailed. "The retouching was challenging, especially in the areas of the sky, but I was very happy with how it turned out," shared Luciano, emphasizing the dedication to preserving the winter scene's essence.
Winter Sled Scene, after treatment
The conservation culminated in a lovely transformation, preserving the integrity and wintry allure of "Winter Sled Scene" by Stepan Kolesnikoff. The client, thoroughly impressed by The Center's dedication and expertise, acclaimed, "Your services were as good as I could hope for; I rate you guys a 10."
Winter Sled Scene, after treatment, verso
The conservation journey of "Winter Sled Scene" illustrates the dedication to preserving the landscapes crafted by artists like Stepan Fedorovich Kolesnikoff. Through painstaking conservation efforts, the essence of these picturesque scenes remains vivid, allowing future generations to experience the charm and artistic craftsmanship encapsulated within each brushstroke, perpetuating the timeless allure of winter in art.
