142

ALEXANDRA EXTER (1882-1949)
Constructivist cityscape. Set design for an unidentified production. Graphite on paper. 228x297 mm; 9x11 3/4 on 10x13-inch sheet, with second design on verso showing decorative scrollwork in ink surrounding a pencil sketch of a central female figure standing on a windy hilltop, measuring roughly 210x253 mm; 8 1/4x10 inches. Signed "A Exter" in ink, lower right recto, number 17X139.

Provenance: Gift of the artist to her student, Vera Cohn; thence by descent.

Based on similar drawings, Exter likely created this design while working for the theater ensemble of Alexander Tairov in Moscow in the 1910s. While there, she created numerous costumes for various productions and designed sets that transformed two-dimensional stage spaces into three-dimensional abstract structures by incorporating multi-level platforms that would be illuminated by intersecting rays of light.


Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

January 28, 2021 12:00 PM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000