Lot 458
  • 458

A group of twelve miniatures, Henry Benner, St Petersburg, circa 1820

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description

  • tempera, panel
  • height 17.1cm, 6 3/4 in.
depicting Michael I, Alexis I, Feodor III, Sofia Alekseevna, Ivan V, Peter I, Eudokia Lopukhina, Alexei Petrovich, Catherine I, Peter II, Anna Ioannovna and Elisabeth Petrovna, in oval gilt-metal frames, the reverse of each with original red leather label

Provenance

Christie's London, 23 June 1981, lots 92-97

Condition

Six with varying degrees of water staining to the margins, some of which are visible in the catalogue illustration. Peter I and Peter II with minor foxing to the sky. Anna and Elizaveta in similarly sized but unmatched frames.
"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

For the hundred years prior to the Pauline Laws of 1797, which established an order of succession along the lines of primogeniture, the ruling dynasty of Russia was in a perpetual state of flux and on the point of crisis. The present group of miniatures attempts to provide a linear history to the Romanov family from the first Tsar, Mikhail I, to Peter III's predecessor Elizabeth Petrovna.

Henry Benner worked as Court painter to Emperor Alexander I in St Petersburg from 1817 to 1828. However, despite considerable notoriety, the failure of his publication of engraved miniature portraits depicting the Russian nobility left him in financial ruin. Given Benner's position as Court miniaturist, it is likely the present lot formed part of an Imperial commission.

For further examples from this series, please see Christie's London, 27 November 2007, lots 201-203.