Eventail en nacre, la feuille par Ruth Mercier, France, 1898

un des brins orné de l'initiale A sous une couronne royale en diamants, la feuille en soie signée, peinte d'anémones, le verso d'une vue de la Côte d'Azur, signée Ruth Mercier et estampé Eventails Artistiques Faucon 38 avenue de l'Opéra Paris, présenté dans son cadre d'origine, le socle orné d'une plaque en cuivre datée Cannes, 26 Avril 1898 et gravée du nom des donateurs

the sticks applied with the initial A under a royal crown in diamonds, the silk leaf painted with anemones, contained in a presentation frame, the socle applied with a copper plaque dated Cannes, 26 Avril 1898 and engraved with the donors's names

Queen Alexandrine of Denmark (1879-1952);
Princess Caroline-Mathilde of Denmark (1912-1995)

the leaf has 7 splits, the longest 7cm. case: vellum covered with extensive dry mould, the vellum by the presentation plaque stained green. Stuck ribbon torn.
"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."

Alexandrine de Mecklembourg-Schwerin (1879-1952) était la fille de Frédéric III, Grand-Duc de Mecklembourg-Schwerin et de la Grande-Duchesse Anastasia Mikhailovna. Elle épousa le 26 avril 1898 le prince Christian de Danemark (1870-1947) à Cannes. Ils devinrent souverains du Danemark en 1912 et furent très aimés de leurs sujets, notamment durant la seconde guerre mondiale au cours de laquelle le roi Christian refusa de collaborer avec Adolf Hitler malgré l'occupation par les nazis du royaume. Tous deux sont enterrés en la cathédrale de Roskilde.

Ruth Mercier (act. 1880-1913) naquit en Suisse de parents français. Elle devint peintre de paysages urbains et de fleurs essentiellement and fut très appréciée de l'aristocratie anglaise notamment qui séjournait à Cannes en hiver. Elle exposa ses oeuvres également à Londres et à Paris au Salon des Artistes, où elle reçut une mention honorable en 1895.
 

Alexandrine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1879-1952) was the daughter of Friedrich Franz III, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and the Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailovna. She married on 26 April 1898  Prince Christian of Denmark (1870-1947) in Cannes. They became King and Queen of Denmark in 1912 and were both much loved, especially during the Second World War as King Christian stood up to Adolf Hitler following Denmark's occupation by the Nazis in 1940. They are buried together in Roskilde Cathedral.

Ruth Mercier (act. 1880-1913), was born in Switzerland to French parents. She became a painter of urban landscapes, flowers and also painted in watercolour and was very well connected with the British aristocracy who wintered in Cannes at that time. She exhibited her work also in London and in Paris at the Salon des Artistes where she received an honourable mention in 1885.