Endogourov Ivan Ivanovich (1861-1898)+ Beginning of Spring (sketch)

This oil on canvas study is a characteristic work by Ivan Ivanovich Endogourov, a landscape painter of great refinement associated with the Russian lyrical realism movement of the late 19th century. Titled Early Spring, this sketch captures with remarkable efficiency the fleeting moment of the thaw, where snow gives way to the dark, shimmering waters of the first streams under a moisture-laden sky.

The composition is built around a central body of water reflecting late-day light, creating a striking contrast with the still-frozen ground. The artist's technique is evident through confident brushstrokes and a masterful handling of grey and ochre nuances. The state of conservation is excellent, preserving the vibration of the paint layer and the natural grain of the canvas, typical of plein-air works from this period.

For the collector of Russian painting or classical landscapes, this piece represents a precious testimony to the talent of Endogourov, whose career was prematurely cut short. The work bears the artist's authentic signature in the lower left. It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to late-century European art, offering a rare atmospheric depth for a study format.