* ROERICH, NICHOLAS (1874-1947) The Palace of Tsar Berendey, a Set Design for A. Ostrovsky's Fairytale "Snegurochka" Tempera on board, 55.5 by 71 cm. signed with a monogram and dated 1912, further inscribed "1500" and numbered "N9" on the reverse. Provenance: Roerich Museum, New York, USA, 1919-1935. Collection of Luis and Nettie Horch, New York, USA. Thence by descent. Private collection, USA. Exhibited: World of Art Exhibition, St Petersburg, Moscow, Kie Provenance: with Agnew and Sons, London (according to the label on the reverse). Sir John Hoppner's ability to capture the sitters' likeness made him the leading portraitist in England in the 1790s, following Sir Joshua Reynolds' retirement. He became a Royal Academician in 1795 and was the official portrait painter of the Prince of Wales, later George IV. Although the identity of the elegant lady remains unknown, this work is a fine example of Hoppner's talent as a portraitist. He employed vigorous brushstrokes to express his understanding of the human form and appreciation of the texture of her clothes. The lady is lightened against a dark background, emphasising her gentle facial features, a device he often employed.