Taste for Splender, Russian Imperial and European Treasures

Private Treasures: Four Centuries of European Master Drawings, by Andrew Robinson and Margaret Morgan Grasselli. From exhibition at National Gallery of ...

Russian Imperial Style by Laura Cerwinske. Published by Prentice Hall, NY, 1990. Stated 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. Sumptuously illustrated with over 100 stunning full-page co...

Sotheby's Catalog, An Important Russian Imperial Jewel. Geneva 17 November 2005. 1st Ed hardcover. "An impressive and highly important diamond ornament from the collection of the Russian Imperial Family, Russia, second half of the 18th century. This diamond necklace with bowknot clasp is not only a remarkable jewel in itself, but its Russian royal provenance puts it in a class of its own. It evokes the blinding splendour of Catherine II, Empress of Russia: the magnificence of her court, her parks, her palaces, her art collections, and monuments. The most striking and colourful figure on the stage of European political life, for thirty four years she ruled a mighty empire which stretched from Siberia to Poland and left it stronger, larger and richer than when she came to the throne in 1762. After her death in 1796, her friend the Prince de Ligne, who had named her Catherine the Great, declared that this title- which has never been lost- resumed all her genius, courage, sense of justice, and force of character. Using her court as a stage, she played the part of an autocratic but enlightened ruler to perfection, imposing in her public appearances, kind and charming in private. The French ambassador, the Comte de Ségur who noticed how “her majestic head and brow, proud look and dignified deportment made her seem taller than she was”, was also impressed by her feminine grace “ her aquiline nose, well shaped mouth, Saxe blue eyes beneath dark lashes, gentle glance and seductive smile”. In spite of her success, she once confided to the Prince de Ligne that she could have served Russia better if she had been born a man. Ever the courtier, he assured her that being a woman was a positive advantage. “Believe me, you are so much more impressive in your beautiful embroidered orange red velvet dolman or tunic than a man decked out in boots and shoulder sash can ever be. In addition the five huge diamonds blazing out from your hair are far more effective than a man’s hat which is either ridiculously small or ridiculously big”. He was right. Her diamond jewellery proclaimed her power and her rank as Empress and appealed to the Russian taste for sumptuous goods. It impressed the Rev. William Coxe, visiting St. Petersburg in 1778: “the glory and the splendor of the clothing of the court and abundance of precious stones leave the opulence of other European courts far behind” and his opinion was shared by the acute Madame de Stael...

Magnificent Clocks for the Chinese Imperial Court from the Nezu Museum Christie's, Hong Kong, May 2008. 159pp. 1st Ed softcover. 14 lots profusely illustrated in color. One of the m...

Antique map titled 'Le Nord de L'Europe, Contenant Le Danemark, La Norwege; La Suede et La Laponie avec la Majeure Partie de al Russie Europeenne.' Map of Northern Europe and Eur...

Faberge Eggs Imperial Russian Fantasies Softcover Book. Near Fine-very. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.,1995. 'Fabergé Eggs - Imperial Russian Fantasies'. Elephant Folio, illustrated perfect-bound wraps, 68 pp. A visually sumptuous presentation of the famous - and very rare Fabergé Eggs...

Embark on a journey of gardening wisdom with this vintage book, a cherished guide titled "Постройки на приусадебном участке" (Structures on the Homestead), originating from Russia and dating back to 1992. In this thin yet informative volume, author Г.П. Рудаков imparts valuable insights into the art of building on your homestead. While time has passed since its publication, this softcover book remains in good condition, a testament to its enduring relevance and the care with which it has been preserved. Across 62 pages, readers are invited to explore the world of construction on their own property, gaining practical knowledge and inspiration. Though slender in size, this book carries a wealth of tips, ideas, and guidance for creating structures that enhance and complement your homestead. From sheds and shelters to garden structures, the pages within offer a glimpse into the art of practical construction. Perfect for gardening enthusiasts, DIY aficionados, or anyone seeking to elevate their homestead with functional and aesthetically pleasing structures, this book presents a unique opportunity to learn from the past. Embrace the teachings of author Г.П. Рудаков as you explore the nuances of building on your own property. Add this vintage gardening...

This map, sourced from the comprehensive 1882 atlas by Blackie & Son, delineates the southern part of Russia and the Caucasus region, reflecting the geopolitical contours and topogra...