- 772
A jewelled three-colour gold and enamel pendant of St Nicholas, circa 1825
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- gold, jewels, enamel
- excluding frame 6.5 by 4.5cm, 2 1/2 by 1 3/4 in.
inset with topazes and applied with flowers within rope twist and granulated borders, inscribed on the reverse in German 'What the voice from within says/ does not fool/ the hoping soul', with later wood frame crowned with an Imperial eagle, the reverse of the frame inscribed and dated C. Mazzoli 1873
Provenance
The reverse of the frame is inscribed in English 'This medallion of St Nicholas was given by Alexandra Empress of Russia (about 1820) to Princess Eliza Radziwill, and at her death (1832) by her mother Princess Louisa of Prussia to Harriet daughter of Sir George Walker'
Bootman Smallwood Collection, sold, Christie's London, 28-29 April 1989, lot 340
Condition
The pendant in excellent overall condition. The edge of the upper border of the frame partly missing, two small pieces of black wood missing on the inside right border, loose back
"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."
"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
In the mid-1820s Princess Elisa Radziwill (1803-1834) was courted by her cousin Prince Wilhelm of Prussia (1797-1888), who later became the first German Emperor. The couple were in love and wished to marry, but the match was deemed unsuitable by the Prince's father and abandoned in 1826. It was presumably during this time that the pendant was given to her by Empress Alexandra, the Prince's sister.