Vessel in full sail in heavy seas

Details

Ivan Aivazovsky (1817-1900)
Vessel in full sail in heavy seas
signed in Cyrillic 'Aivazov.' (lower right)
pencil with scratching out on papier tablette
4½ x 6¾ in. (11.4 x 17 cm.)

Provenance

Commander Wilfred Albert (Biffy) Dunderdale (1899-1990).
By descent to the present owner.

Special Notice

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Lot Essay

Wilfred Albert Dunderdale (1899-1990) was born and educated in Russia, the son of a shipping magnate who traded vessels in the Black Sea ports. Dunderdale’s knowledge of the Russian Navy and language proved indispensable to the Royal Navy following the outbreak of the Russian Revolution, thus launching his distinguished career as an intelligence officer. Dunderdale is known predominantly for his role in delivering the Enigma machine to England during the Second World War, and, in addition to his accomplishments his intelligence, charm and style, reputedly positioned him as one of the key inspirations for Ian Fleming’s 007.

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