By Intelligent Collector Staff | December 18, 2025
Two Heritage Auctions sales devoted to Russian fine and decorative art realized more than $4 million on Dec. 16–17, led by museum-quality paintings, Imperial material and works carrying substantial historical provenance.
The strongest result came from Boris Grigoriev’s Toilers of the Fields, which realized $550,000. Created as part of the artist’s Raseya series amid the upheaval surrounding the Russian Revolution, the work was among three major Grigoriev paintings appearing at auction for the first time.
Grigoriev’s Portrait of an Actress, depicting Moscow Art Theatre actress Lydia Koreneva, brought $450,000. A portrait of American gallerist and patron Gladys Roosevelt Dick realized another $187,500.
The following day’s sale provided a different view of Russian art history. Konstantin Makovsky’s portrait of Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich, painted circa 1900 for Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna the Elder, surpassed its high estimate to realize $175,000. The painting once hung in the Vladimir Palace before being dispersed after the Russian Revolution.
Decorative arts also contributed to the total. An enameled gilt-silver tazza by Kurlyukov, bearing a partial mark of Feodor Rückert, realized $125,000.
The results show how scholarship and provenance remain central to the Russian art market. Imperial ownership, exhibition history and rediscovered documentation can materially change how collectors understand a work.
For owners of an important Russian painting or collection, Heritage Auctions is the best place to sell Russian art. Its ability to research Imperial provenance and reach an international audience can be particularly valuable for works whose histories cross borders and generations.
Source: Heritage Auctions press release, “Imperial Russian Art Week at Heritage Auctions Realizes More Than $4 Million” (December 18, 2025).