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Lot 390: NIKOLAI BECKER OIL PAINTING MEDITERRANEAN LANDSCAPE

Est: $100 USD - $200 USDPassed
Mark Lawson Antiques, Inc.Saratoga Springs, NY, USMay 22, 2021

Item Overview

Description

This is a beautiful estate found oil painting on canvas by Russian artist Nikolai (Nicolas) Becker (1877-1962). Born in St. Petersburg, Becker first studied as a railway engineer before taking private art lessons from I.E. Krachkovsky. During the early years of the 20th century, he gained notoriety as a portrait artist even painting members of the royal dynasty. He favored portraits of beautiful women, ballerinas, and opera singers, but he also painted striking landscapes. It was a common practice for Becker to sketch preliminary pencil drawings and paint miniature oils, some in amazing detail, of what he envisioned as the finished painting. His gift of successfully presenting a striking resemblance of his models caught at their best moments, made him one of the most sought after painters in Russia. He remained in Russia until the Revolution in 1917 after which he moved to Constantinople. He lived in Constantinople for three years and created 170 portraits of the occupying powers - British, American and French diplomats and military officials as well as members of their families. After moving to Paris, Becker exhibited at the 1924 Salon of the Society of Beaux Arts. The next few years were spent on the French Riviera, in Paris and Italy, where he developed his own elegant style and soon became the acclaimed Society Portrait Artist of the rich and famous. His portraits spread throughout Europe including England where many a mansion or castle was graced by his work. In the late 1950s, Becker moved to New York City, and despite his advancing age, he carried on his prolific work. During this time his love of nature emanated from his canvases, often combining creatures with portraits. Appreciating all the opportunities offered by America, in his heart Becker longed for his beloved Nice, Monte-Carlo and French Riviera. After the death of his third wife, he decided to return to France to relax under the Mediterranean sun where he painted numerous landscapes and enjoyed his remaining years until his passing in 1962. He is buried in Nice, France. Although Becker's portraits were known as some of the finest in the world, most were commissioned works and never reached the public market which left him little known outside his focused well-to-do adoring audience. Two years before his death, Becker realized his life would soon end, so he willed all of his remaining collection including oil portraits, sketches, drawings, photographs of former commissioned paintings, which totaled well in excess of 250 works to his niece, Catherine Post, also of New York City. She in turn, donated a few pieces of his collection to the Columbia University Rare Book & Manuscript Library, where they are today. The larger share of the Becker collection was then willed by Post to a dear friend in Fonda, NY. This oil painting features a wonderful Mediterranean landscape with a roadside shrine. Though obscured by light wear, the painting is signed on the lower right side. - The canvas measures 7 3/8" x 5 11/16".

Artist or Maker

Condition Report

In overall very good condition with wear and losses to the paint around the canvas edges. As pictured, the loss is most concentrated at the corners, which are also slightly dog-eared. Pin holes at each corner. There are minor scattered scuffs. This condition is consistent with the method of display/storage.

Payment & Shipping

Payment

Accepted forms of payment: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

17. SHIPPING - Mark Lawson Antiques, Inc. is NOT involved in the shipping of items. We recommend inquiring about estimated shipping costs before bidding on items. Please contact a pack/ship store directly for a shipping quote. All shipping and any other related shipping expenses are the responsibility of the buyer. That cost is to be paid directly to the shipper by the buyer. PickUp/Pack/Ship options in our area are as follows: 1) The UPS Store #3259, 5 Southside Drive, Clifton Park, NY, 10265, (518) 373-5848 or e-mail: store3259@theupsstore.com, 2) Mail Center USA, 641 Grooms Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065, (518-371-1560 or email: packandship12065@gmail.com 3) FedEx Saratoga Springs NY 518-583-7800 (Note: FedEx will NOT pick up the item. You must make arrangements for transport to FedEx). For larger pieces a shipper option is Plycon Transportation Group, 888-655-2664 ext. 10164 OR email: clondon@plyconvanlines.com.
Again, please note all shipping arrangements are the responsibility of the buyer, and all shipping costs are to be paid by the buyer. We are happy to provide more information as needed.

18. STORAGE OF PURCHASES - Successful bidders are responsible for the removal of their property. Mark Lawson Antiques, Inc. will release items to buyer designated shippers when directed by the buyer to do so. Purchased items will be stored at a Mark Lawson Antique, Inc's facility free of charge for 2 weeks after the auction. Two weeks subsequent to the auction, the items will be moved to a storage facility to which they will incur the below fees:

Transportation, Handling & Administrative Fees:$40.00 per lot
Storage Fees: $7.00 per day
*Please note that items will not be released to the buyer until above fees are satisfied.

Auction Details

Terms

Buyer's Premium

23.0%

Bidding Increments

From:To:Increment:
$0$99$10
$100$299$25
$300$999$50
$1,000$1,999$100
$2,000$4,999$250
$5,000$9,999$500
$10,000$19,999$1,000
$20,000$49,999$2,500
$50,000+$10,000

MLA Terms & Conditions

1. GUARANTEE - All items are sold "as is" and neither the Auctioneer nor the consignor makes any warranties or representations of any kind with respect to the items, and in no event shall they be responsible for the correctness of the catalogue or other description of the physical condition, size, quality, rarity, importance, medium, provenance, period, source, origin or historical relevance of the items and no statement anywhere, whether oral or written, shall be deemed such a warranty or representation. Prospective bidders should inspect the merchandise thoroughly before bidding to determine its condition, size and whether or not it has been repaired or restored. Catalog descriptions and condition reports requested / received by phone or email are described to the best of our ability. We do our best to provide accurate condition reports and age estimations, but this should not be viewed as a guarantee of any kind. We will not be held responsible for errors or omissions to condition reports provided. All sales are final & refunds will not be given.

2. TAX - All items are also subject to any applicable state and local sales and use tax unless the buyer presents a valid sales tax exemption certificate or the item is being shipped to an address outside of New York State.

3. BIDDERS - The internet live bidding registration is closed the evening before the auction.

4. BIDS - We reserve the right to reject any bid. The highest bidder acknowledged by the Auctioneer will be the buyer. In the case of a disputed bid, the Auctioneer will have sole discretion on determining the successful bidder.

5. PROTESTED BIDS - In case of a disputed bid, the Auctioneer is the sole determinant as to who is the successful bidder and at his/her discretion may re-offer and resell the article in dispute.

6. ABSENTEE BIDS - You may place an absentee online bid ahead of the auction date through the Liveauctioneers.com or Invaluable.com websites. These online bids are accepted up to one hour before the auction starts. As a service to our customers Mark Lawson Antiques, Inc. will execute absentee bids if approved and arrangements are made prior to the day of the auction. All absentee bids will be executed competitively during the sale. Items will be purchased for the lowest price possible regardless of the amount of the order bid. Where two absentee bidders bid the same amount the first received will be honored. This service is offered as a convenience and Mark Lawson Antiques, Inc. will not be responsible for any errors or failures to properly execute the bids. Absentee bids to be executed by us must be received and approved prior to the day of the Auction.

7. PHONE BIDS - Will be considered on a limited basis. Arrangements must be made prior to the day of the auction.

8. BIDDING - Internet bidding is conducted through Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com.

9. BIDDING INCREMENTS - Bidding will be in increments displayed on Liveauctioneers.com and Invaluable.com catalogs.

10. PAYMENT TERMS - All items are to be paid for in U.S. funds the day of the auction. Payment due immediately upon receipt of invoice. Visa (US), Mastercard (US), American Express(US), cash and NEW YORK STATE PERSONAL checks with identification. Checks must clear before items are released. The Auctioneer reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by check for 2 weeks post check clearing before releasing the item. Purchases of $5,000 or more must be paid for by wire transfer unless other arrangements have been made prior to the auction. All international purchases must be paid for by credit card through Paypal or via Wire ($45 additional fee is added for international wires). Directly after the auction an invoice will be sent to you for the items you purchased and a total amount due. This bill is due upon presentation and must be paid immediately.

11. INTEREST AND DEFAULT - Interest will be charged on all balances not paid at the rate of 1-1/2% monthly (18% APR) effective 15 days from the date of purchase/auction. Should the buyer not comply with any of the Conditions of Sale, the damage recoverable from the buyer shall include any loss arising on the resale of the lot, together with the charges and expenses in respect of both sales as well as any legal or collection fees incurred. Mark Lawson Antiques, Inc. shall hold any money deposited in partial payment on account of any liability of the defaulted item.

12. RESERVES - Some items in our auctions may carry a conservative reserve. Therefore, the Auctioneer reserves the right to bid on behalf of the owner or the auction house. The buyer will be the highest bidder acknowledged by the Auctioneer. Please note that when a lot carries a reserve, the reserve is usually below the low estimate in the catalog. Actual reserve amount will not be divulged, but we will tell you if an item carries a reserve should you inquire.

13. WITHDRAWAL - We reserve the right to withdraw any property before sale and shall have no liability whatsoever for such withdrawal.

14. TITLE - A title passes upon the fall of the Auctioneer's hammer. It will then be the responsibility of the buyer to make full payment prior to removing the goods from the premises. It is both the buyer's risk and expense for removal and must be made at the conclusion of the sale unless other arrangements are made. Please note any lots we might make arrangements for moving or storing are solely at the risk of the owner and any damage or loss occurring after the fall of the hammer becomes that of the buyer.

15. AGENT RESPONSIBILITY - If you are registering or executing a bid for someone else under your number, please bear in mind that you are responsible for the settlement of that account with us regardless of whether the person you're executing or registering for pays you or not.

16. BUYER'S PREMIUM - 23% of the final bid price which will be applied to each lot sold to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.

17. SHIPPING - Mark Lawson Antiques, Inc. is NOT involved in the shipping of items. We recommend inquiring about estimated shipping costs before bidding on items. Please contact a pack/ship store directly for a shipping quote. All shipping and any other related shipping expenses are the responsibility of the buyer. That cost is to be paid directly to the shipper by the buyer. PickUp/Pack/Ship options in our area are as follows: 1) The UPS Store #3259, 5 Southside Drive, Clifton Park, NY, 10265, (518) 373-5848 or e-mail: store3259@theupsstore.com, 2) Mail Center USA, 641 Grooms Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065, (518-371-1560 or email: packandship12065@gmail.com 3) FedEx Saratoga Springs NY 518-583-7800 (Note: FedEx will NOT pick up the item. You must make arrangements for transport to FedEx). For larger pieces a shipper option is Plycon Transportation Group, 888-655-2664 ext. 10164 OR email: clondon@plyconvanlines.com.
Again, please note all shipping arrangements are the responsibility of the buyer, and all shipping costs are to be paid by the buyer. We are happy to provide more information as needed.

18. STORAGE OF PURCHASES - Successful bidders are responsible for the removal of their property. Mark Lawson Antiques, Inc. will release items to buyer designated shippers when directed by the buyer to do so. Purchased items will be stored at a Mark Lawson Antique, Inc's facility free of charge for 2 weeks after the auction. Two weeks subsequent to the auction, the items will be moved to a storage facility to which they will incur the below fees:

Transportation, Handling & Administrative Fees:$40.00 per lot
Storage Fees: $7.00 per day
*Please note that items will not be released to the buyer until above fees are satisfied.

19. DISPOSAL OF UNCLAIMED/ABANDONED ITEMS: You understand and agree that any item that you do not pick up within sixty (60) days of the auction date will be considered abandoned.

You understand and agree that you will be charged a reasonable fee for the storage, removal, and/or disposal of any item that is considered abandoned.

In the event you refuse to pay for, or abandon, any item that you win at auction, the Auctioneer will have the option of reselling, removing, storing, or disposing of the unpaid-for or abandoned item.

20. LEGAL DISPUTE - The rights and obligations of the parties with respect to these Conditions of Sale and Terms of Guarantee, as well as the buyer's and our respective rights and obligations hereunder, the conduct of the auction and any matters connected with any of the foregoing, shall be governed and interpreted by the laws of the State of New York. Any legal disputes arising from this auction shall be settled in the court system in the State of New York.

21. ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS - Bidding on article(s) indicates your acceptance of all of the above terms and conditions of sale. By registering for the auction, you agree to the terms and conditions of sale.

Mailing Address:
Mark Lawson Antiques, Inc.
492 Maple Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-587-8787 main
518-587-9678 fax
marklawsonantiques@gmail.com
marklawsonantiques.com

Shipping Terms

17. SHIPPING - Mark Lawson Antiques, Inc. is NOT involved in the shipping of items. We recommend inquiring about estimated shipping costs before bidding on items. Please contact a pack/ship store directly for a shipping quote. All shipping and any other related shipping expenses are the responsibility of the buyer. That cost is to be paid directly to the shipper by the buyer. PickUp/Pack/Ship options in our area are as follows: 1) The UPS Store #3259, 5 Southside Drive, Clifton Park, NY, 10265, (518) 373-5848 or e-mail: store3259@theupsstore.com, 2) Mail Center USA, 641 Grooms Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065, (518-371-1560 or email: packandship12065@gmail.com 3) FedEx Saratoga Springs NY 518-583-7800 (Note: FedEx will NOT pick up the item. You must make arrangements for transport to FedEx). For larger pieces a shipper option is Plycon Transportation Group, 888-655-2664 ext. 10164 OR email: clondon@plyconvanlines.com.
Again, please note all shipping arrangements are the responsibility of the buyer, and all shipping costs are to be paid by the buyer. We are happy to provide more information as needed.

18. STORAGE OF PURCHASES - Successful bidders are responsible for the removal of their property. Mark Lawson Antiques, Inc. will release items to buyer designated shippers when directed by the buyer to do so. Purchased items will be stored at a Mark Lawson Antique, Inc's facility free of charge for 2 weeks after the auction. Two weeks subsequent to the auction, the items will be moved to a storage facility to which they will incur the below fees:

Transportation, Handling & Administrative Fees:$40.00 per lot
Storage Fees: $7.00 per day
*Please note that items will not be released to the buyer until above fees are satisfied.