L11116

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Lot 504
  • 504

Mikhail Kutuzov: A silver-gilt and niello commemorative snuff box, Yakov Moiseyev, Velikiy Ustyug, circa 1813

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • Silver, niello
  • width: 9.6cm, 3 3/4 in.
rectangular with rounded corners, the lid nielloed with a memorial urn, the plinth inscribed in Russian 'Knyaz Kutuzov Smolensky', in a wooded landscape within side borders chased with entwining acanthus leaves and inscribed below in Russian 'Here lies the saviour of his homeland', the sides with waves interspersed with pellets, the base nielloed with an inscription detailing the titles, victories and dates of Mikhail Kutuzov, 84 standard

Condition

Very good condition. Some wear to chased leaf side borders of the lid. The hinge protruding slightly at one end. The base with shallow dent, upper left corner. Minor surface scratches, but less than would be expected. A most pleasing object, very skillfully nielloed, with refreshingly little wear to niello.
"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

Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov (1745-1813) had already distinguished himself in a long military career, which included significant victories in the Russo-Turkish Wars, when he achieved his greatest glory against Napoleon in the Patriotic War of 1812.  Appointed commander-in-chief of the Russian Army in August of that year at the age of nealy 67 years, Kutuzov led his troops in the Battles of Borodino and Maloyaroslavets and vanquished the Grande Armée out of Russia greatly reduced in numbers.  Already holding the rank of Field Marshall, he was awarded the title Prince (Knyaz) of Smolensk. 

His death on 12 April 1813 was mourned profoundly in Russia, as the present lot attests.  He was given laudatory treatment by Tolstoy in War and Peace, and he retains his place in the view of historians as the greatest Russian general after Suvorov, under whom he served.