Emperor Nicholas I: A marble bust, after the model by Rauch, possibly carved by Agostino and Paolo Triscorni, St Petersburg, circa 1825

Considerable losses to his left ear. Other surface imperfections and losses, visible in the catalogue photo.
"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."

Christian Daniel Rauch (1777-1857) is considered the greatest and most important German sculptor of the 19th century.  He produced portraits and monuments, was a scholar of his trade and laboured to restore antique sculptures.  Following apprenticeships in Helsa and Kassel, central Germany, he became sculptor to the court of Prussia (1797-1804).  After a sojourn in Rome and Carrara, he returned to Berlin in 1811 to sculpt Queen Louise of Prussia lying on the headstone of her grave.  The enormous success of Queen Louise's sarcophagus became evident some years later when, for more than two decades, Rauch was charged with overseeing the construction of nearly all public statues in Germany.  His crowning achievement is considered to be the equestrian monument to King Frederick William II of Prussia, unveiled in 1851.  With its enormous pedestal surrounded by distinguished public servants, it is a clear precursor to and inspiration for Mikeshin's monument to Empress Catherine II (see lot 425).

The original bust of Grand Duke Nicholas Pavlovich, the future Emperor Nicholas I (1796-1855), was executed in 1821.  Its counterpart, the bust of Alexandra Feodorovna (1798-1860), the daughter of Queen Louise, dates to 1816, when she was but the bride of Nicholas.  Subsequent copies and variants were made of each.  The 1823 version of his wife's bust had, on the Emperor's request, a phrase engraved upon it reading "my life's happiness" in Russian.  It was used to decorate Alexandria Park, itself named after Alexandra Feodorovna.  Members of the aristocracy and successful merchants would order copies of Rauch's busts to demonstrate their loyalty and closeness to the Imperial family.  Many, possibly including the present lots, were produced by the Triscorni brothers, Agostino and Paolo, who operated in St Petersburg from the 1790s.  Versions of these marble busts are in the collections of the Hermitage and the Russian Museum.