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Curators' Picks: December 16 Imperial Porcelain & Russian Works of Art from the Collection of A La Vieille Russie Signature® Auction
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Nick's Picks
Nick Nicholson | Director, Russian Works of Art & Museum Services
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I love the portrait of Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich in the upcoming auction. In addition to the fact that it was painted at a very specific moment in Makovsky’s career when he explored this photography-influenced style with a neutral background, it shows the Grand Duke Kirill, a first cousin of the last Tsar Nicholas II, in the last carefree moment of his life. In 1900, when this work was painted, he was a young officer with his life ahead of him. By 1905, he would be one of the few survivors of the cruiser "Petropavlovsk" sunk at the battle of Port Arthur during the Russo-Japanese war. Later that year, he married the love of his life, but without the emperor's permission, for which he was exiled until 1910. His return was spoiled by the arrival of World War I and the
Russian Revolution. The painting is a fantastic study in contrast.
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Russian hardstones always provide beautiful and colorful contrasts. This exquisitely pink and green Athenienne or Brule Parfum is no exception. An identical one from the collection of Jayne Wrightsman, is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Inv. No. 2019.283.50). It was acquired by Mrs. Wrightsman from Kugel, Paris, and it may have originally formed a pair with this one from the Collection if A La Vieille Russie.
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This rare Imperial Porcelain easter egg is of an impressive size, and was likely produced as an imperial gift. An egg of the same scale is in the Danish Royal Collection, but with blue and white monochrome decoration is noted as having been produced between 1910 and 1915 expressly as presents for other royal families. While it is an egg, the quality of the floral painting is the equal of any important vase or cabinet piece.
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Elinor's Picks
Elinor Chalmers | Cataloguer, Decorative Arts
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This elegant Fabergé pill box, crafted for Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, distills Imperial luxury into a tiny, luminous form. Its blue guilloché enamel, white borders, and single diamond accent show how effectively Fabergé paired rich materials with simple, confident design. It is a small object with an extraordinary historical presence, offering a rare, intimate link to the final chapter of Imperial Russia.
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This table clock stands out for its translucent pink guilloché enamel, which gives it a vibrant, polished look. The compact, unfussy design keeps the focus on the quality of the enamel and materials. It's a representative example of Fabergé's workshop, demonstrating the firm's steady hand with functional decorative objects.
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Xenia's Picks
Xenia Amaya | Cataloguer, Silver & Decorative Arts
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What draws me to it most is that mix of rarity and warmth. For something this early to survive at all is remarkable, but for it to have such personality is even better. Even the small bubbles and irregularities seem to glow within it, giving the whole piece a kind of inner life. I like it because the color isn't just decorative, it's emotive. It makes the pitcher feel precious, and it brings a quiet romance to an object that has survived for centuries.
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There’s a jewel-like quality to this bowl that’s instantly captivating. The plique-à-jour enamel glows as if lit from within, each tiny panel catching the light differently so the whole piece seems to shimmer in motion. I’m especially drawn to the rhythm of the design: the scalloped walls create a natural cadence, so the bowl feels almost alive. It’s the kind of piece that rewards slow looking, revealing a little more beauty every time you come back to it.
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Nick Nicholson
Director, Russian Works of Art
& Museum Services
NickN@HA.com
(214) 409-3014s
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Elinor Chalmers
Cataloguer
Decorative Arts
ElinorC@HA.com
(214) 409-1276
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Xenia Amaya
Cataloguer, Silver &
Decorative Arts
XeniaA@HA.com
(214) 409-1907
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