- 131
A Porcelain Model of Empress Catherine II's Favorite Greyhound, Meissen, Second half of the 19th century
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- with blue factory mark and inscribed in black "Chien favorit de feu S.M. l'Impératrice Catherine de Russie"
- Porcelain
- Length 17 in.
- 43.2 cm
depicting an Italian greyhound resting on rectangular floral cushion ornamented with gilt lace and tassles
Condition
with some small losses at edges, otherwise in overall good condition
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The delicate and elegant Italian greyhound was long popular with European royalty. Catherine II was so fond of her little greyhound Zemira that she had her included in several of the most important portraits she commissioned, including Pierre Etienne Falconet's 1773 portrait and Vladimir Borovikovskii's image of the Empress and her hound walking through the gardens at Tsarskoe Selo. Zemira was buried in these very gardens under a tombstone inscribed with a lengthy poem by the French ambassador, the comte de Ségur.