Lot 212

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Description:

Amazingly Detailed Lenin Deathmask, One of Only 14 Known To Exist. By Renowned Artist Sergei Merkurov

An incredibly rare original Vladimir Lenin death mask, made, signed, and dated by sculptor Sergei Merkurov. The hardened plaster mask measures 15" wide, 14" deep and 9" high, and was made shortly after Lenin’s death on January 21, 1924, at 6:50 pm in his residence in Gorki. Merkurov was permitted to make three molds through a delicate process of pouring plaster over the deceased’s face with a thread placed down the middle for easy removal after drying. The artist's masks are widely considered among the finest in existence, capturing the most minute details of his subjects’ final features. In fine condition, with an untouched patina and some minor chipping to the prominent eyebrows, which could be restored. This piece will require third-party shipping.

Under Lenin's control, Russia was governed under the Communist Party, influenced by a one-party Marxist-Leninist state. Lenin had played a key role in the October Revolution on October 25, 1917, in which the Bolshevik Party led an armed insurrection into Saint Petersburg and overthrew the provisional government. However, by the latter half of 1921, Lenin was already showing signs of severe illness, suffering from hyperacusis, insomnia, and regular headaches. It has never been definitively answered what ailed the Bolshevik leader, but theories have varied from neurasthenia or cerebral arteriosclerosis, to syphilis, and even possible effects of metal oxidation from the bullets that still remained in his body from the 1918 assassination attempt. In March 1923, Lenin suffered his third stroke and lost his ability to speak. On January 21, 1924, he fell into a coma and passed away later in the day.

While many of his masks—including those of Tolstoy, Gorky, and another Lenin—are housed at his museum in the Armenian city of Gyumri, this one has remained in private hands since its creation; it was sold by a relative of Merkurov to internationally known Russian collector Sasha Lurye, then sold to the current owner. It is one of only fourteen death masks known to exist of Lenin. An important and captivating piece, both in artistic and historical perspective.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

THIS PIECE WILL REQUIRE 3RD PARTY SHIPPING!

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March 3, 2021 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000