Edwardian Ostrich Fan attributed to Empress Alexandra, last Tsarina of Russia

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About the Item

An ostrich feather fan belonging to Empress Alexandra of Russia, authenticated by Alexander Kerensky, head of the Provisional Government that forced her husband Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate in 1917. I also have for sale the first edition of Kerensky's memoirs, which he personally dedicated to my father. Provenance of the fan: After the Tsar abdicated, Kerensky placed the Imperial Family (see photograph) under house arrest, first at Tsarkoe Selo and then in Siberia. Kerensky had several meetings with Nicholas and Alexandra. He found her a "haughty" woman, who at first regarded him as "a terrible revolutionary." When he met the Tsarina for the second time, on April 16th, 1917 it was unusually warm. Kerensky remarked on the unseasonable heat and the Empress insisted that he use one of her fans as he had begun to perspire. "We carried on the conversation in Russian, which Alexandra Fedorovna spoke haltingly and with a strong accent." Another eye-witness, Elizabeth Naryshkina, a member of the Tsarina's household, wrote "Kerensky entered. He begged me to withdraw and remained alone with the Tsarina...The Tsarina has been pleasantly impressed by Kerensky. She finds him sympathetic and honest.....she gave him one of her ordinary fans as he seemed to suffer very much, she said, from the heat." Following the Bolshevik coup in October 1917, Kerensky settled in the West, dying in New York in 1970. He made several visits to my father, the late politician and writer Woodrow Wyatt, and on one occasion brought the first edition of his book, which he signed and dedicated, and the fan as a gift for my mother (pictured holding it.) Empress Alexandra, who has been sanctified by the Russian Orthodox Church, was murdered with the rest of her family in 1918. This beautiful fan, while not as ornate as the Faberge-handle fans she used for formal balls is nonetheless spectacular. The ostrich feathers are full and white. One feather is missing, but this is hardly noticeable and could be replaced. There was a decorative chain attached to the handle, but it has broken off. Given the fan's age and historical journey, though, it is in remarkably fine condition. Measurements: The fan spans 24 Inches wide when open and is 16 Inches long. This is NOT a copy, but the original. Buy with confidence. Please email me with any questions. NB: Kerensky's signed memoirs do not come with the fan. You will find the book in my other listings.

Place of Origin:
Russia
Period:
Late 19th CenturyEarly 20th Century
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2712915472

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