Lot 595
- 595
An agate cameo of Empress Catherine II as Minerva, attributable to Empress Maria Feodorovna
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Agate
- 4.2cm, 1 7/8 in.
facing sinister, wearing a laurel-wreathed helmet, gold brooch mount
Condition
Excellent condition apart from a small loss to the edge of the surface at seven o'clock.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Empress Maria Feodorovna, consort of Paul I, was a great enthusiast of the fine and decorative arts and a skilled watercolourist and musician. She shared her mother-in-law Catherine the Great's love of cameos and took that interest a step further and learned to carve them, perhaps in an effort to please her. Catherine as Minerva was a favourite subject, and she often presented her cameos as gifts. The present lot is of a model frequently carved by Maria Feodorovna, though usually with a winged sphinx atop the helmet. One example, facing dexter, signed and dated 1789, was presented by her to Catherine and is now in the Hermitage. Another from the same year is in a private collection.