two russian commemorative textiles, late 19th century

the first white, fringed silk brightly painted with the Monument to the Victorious Members of the Life Guards Sappers Battalion, with artist's signature and associated photo of Empress Maria Feodorovna, the second white silk edged with silver and gold lace and embroidered in gold with the Cyrillic inscription "Second Caucasian Army Corps / 19 September 1888, Vladikavkaz" with decorative pattern finely embroidered in gold metal thread and gold spangles, with attached label from the Anichkov Palace Museum dating to the 1920s or 1930s, both in later frames under glass

slight wear to colors on painted textile; slight fraying to center section of second textile
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Elena Samokish-Sudkovskaia (1863-1924) was an important illustrator and painter, best known for illustrations of the lavish 1896 coronation album of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna. The first textile, on which her signature appears, most likely commemorates the transfer in 1893 of the Monument to Victorious Members of the Life Guards Sappers Battalion from its original location in Peterhof to the square in front of the Battalion Church of SS. Cosmas and Damian in St. Petersburg.  The church and the monument were both razed in 1936.