Tag: Russian Antiques

Important Vasily Polenov Masterpiece Sells for $1.7 Million at Bonhams, Setting a World Record

In a remarkable event at Bonhams 19th century and British Impressionist Art Sale today, an exquisite oil on canvas by Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov (1844-1927) stole the spotlight, fetching an astonishing £1,379,000 ($1,760,000). The painting, titled ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’, is a part of Polenov’s renowned series, ‘The Life of Christ’. Initially estimated to sell for £400,000-600,000, the final price far exceeded expectations, marking a significant moment in the art world.

Bonhams Unveils Important Vasily Polenov Masterpiece at their 19th Century Impressionist Art Auction in London

A rare oil painting by the Russian artist Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov (1844-1927), part of a series titled ‘The Life of Christ,’ will take center stage at Bonhams’ upcoming 19th-century and British Impressionist Art Sale on March 20 at New Bond Street in London. Entitled ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept,’ the artwork is expected to fetch between £400,000 and £600,000. Another painting from the same series, ‘There were also women looking from afar off,’ achieved a price of over £1.5 million at Bonhams last year.

Top 10 Jewelry Pieces from Igor Carl Fabergé to be Exhibited for the First Time at GemGenève

While the popular knowledge about the Fabergé is focused on the Imperial Easter Eggs, commissioned by the Russia Royal family and other famous patrons, the Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation decided to offer a different approach by presenting “New Finds” and little known items as a point of departure for this exhibition. By presenting more than 100 pieces from private collections, the Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation is offering a glimpse into the richness and versatility of the Fabergé workshops.

Many collected rarities have not been previously shown in Switzerland or Europe at large and some are being presented for the first time!

Igor Carl Fabergé Foundation to Celebrate 40th Anniversary

Nephrite Egg I.C. Faberge Foundation

The Foundation of Igor Carl Fabergé, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, aims to raise awareness of the work and life of Carl Fabergé during his time as a jeweler at the Imperial Court in St. Petersburg, Russia.

It brings together many books, publications, memorabilia, and other historic objects relating to his professional artistic activity.

The same aim also extends to his grandson, Igor Carl Fabergé and his personal works of jewellery art.

The committee has decided to celebrate Foundation’s 40th anniversary as well as the date of passing of Igor Carl Fabergé by bringing together collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world to their headquarters, where a unique exhibition will be held.

Rare Porcelain from Imperial Russia by Philip Batenin

This small bell shaped tea cup, manufactured in 1830s by the famous Batenin Porcelain Factory that belonged to a wealthy merchant Philip Batenin, is a perfect example of valuable antique porcelain from the Imperial Russia. The cup features one of the rarest views ever depicted on Batenin’s creations, the Smolny Cathedral on the Neva River, which is painted completely by hand.

A similar cylindrical cup with a view of the Smolny Cathedral was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in June 2007 for £2400. Another is located in the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Nowadays, Batenin’s porcelain is quite rare and highly prized among collectors.

How Russian Czar’s Library Ended Up In America

Most people in the United States, Russia, and the World don’t know that more than 2,500 volumes from the personal library of the Russia’s Royal Family are in the possession of the Library of Congress of the United States.

This priceless collection was formed in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg’s, Imperial Russia. It survived WWI, the 1917 Revolution as well as the Civil War that followed, eventually ending up in America.

This is the fascinating story of how it happened, told exclusively to the World Art News by a researcher who worked with these rare books.