- 418
A miniature portrait of Emperor Nicholas II, Johannes Zehngraf (1857-1908), circa 1898
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- ivory, tempera
- height 3.4cm, 1 3/8 in.
on ivory, the Emperor depicted wearing the uniform of the Preobrazhenskii Regiment, the sash of the Order of St Andrew, and a range of medals: the badge of the Order of St Vladimir, 4th class (bestowed on him 30 August 1890), commemorative medals of Alexander III's Coronation (1894) and Reign (1896), the badges of the Danish Order of Daneborg (1894) and the Greek Order of the Saviour (1884), signed in Latin 'Zehngraf' centre left
Condition
Excellent condition. The reverse with two small areas of accretion, possibly remains of an adhesive.
"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
Johannes Zehngraf was born in Copenhagen the son of a photographer and trained as a miniaturist in Berlin. The appearance of the Emperor as rendered by Zehngraf here relates most closely to the miniature forming part of the 'surprise' of the Lilies of the Valley Egg of 1898, which helps to date the present lot; certainly it is post-1896, given the dates of the medals worn by the Emperor. The size of the miniature suggests that it was intended for use on an Imperial Presentation snuff box or table portrait, although the reverse does not bear a number.