Russian Works of Art

A painting from Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna will be featured in the upcoming Russian Works of Art Auction, presented by Doyle. Olga’s childhood was spent in the Imperial Palace in Gatchina, where she began painting under the guidance of K.V. Lemokh and several others. Her early works reveal the lives of the Romanovs in the St. Petersburg and Alexander palaces. They often depict landscapes and still life scenes. The available watercolor painting shows a man boating on a pond. It was a gift from Olga to her biographer, Ian Vorres.

A cloisonné enamel bowl is another standout piece. The parcel-gilt silver bowl has an oval shape with bombé sides. The side handles are cast and sculpted to resemble bear heads. This piece was designed by Feodor Rückert, described by Sotheby’s as “… a pioneer of the Neo-Russian style with exceptional enamel work.” Another highlighted lot is a 17th-century Russian icon depicting the Nativity of the Theotokos. The left side of the piece portrays St. Anna reclining on a bed, with infant Mary and St. Joachim beside her. The background shows an architectural scene. For more information on these lots, visit Invaluable