Collections : [Virginia Museum of Fine Arts]

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] The Schaffer Collection of Russian Imperial Art Treasures ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK October 1, 1937 #1934 A large and most important Russian icon of gold gilt silver by KLEIBER, (By Appointment to the Russian Imperial family), presented to the Grand Duchess Tatiana Nicholaiovna, the second daughter of Nicholas II, the late Czar of Russia, on her birthday, May 29, 1897. In the long rectangular panel it depicts "St. Martyr Tatiana", the patron saint of the Grand Duchess. Against a background of chased geometrical motifs, she appears, clad in a long blue gown reaching to the floor, over which is a loose flowing mantle of rose red. In her left hand she raises the white sash of her garment and with the other is seen carrying a lampadka. Above her in the clouds, "The Holy Virgin" appears, Her arms upraised in benediction. The icon is bordered with elaborate frame, entirely of hand-carved and chased work, showing a profusion of acanthus scrolls, rosettes and anthemions. At the corners, eight-winged cherubims are placed. The presentation inscription at the bottom of the icon reads: "May 29, 1897. The City of Peterhof". From the Alexander Palace at Tsarskoye Selo.

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] The Schaffer Collection of Russian Imperial Art Treasures ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK October 1, 1937 #1956 Miniature diptych icon by CARL G. FABERGE [sic], the Russian Court jeweler. It is executed in gold-gilt silver and in design follows an ancient prototype. The doors are of the Russian foliated arch-shape coming to a point at the top, with the front one decorated in a most elaborate manner. Perhaps harking back to the Byzantine reliquaries and ecclesiastical utensils, this is studded with large stones. Against the gilt surface, red Ural stones are contrasted with turquoise and pearls, and set into an entirely hand-carved design of Byzantine scrolls which twist and entwine over the entire panel. A border of evenly spaced pearls frames this panel, and within the icon, is repeated around the meticulously painted miniatures of the two Saints. On the right is "St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker" and on the left "St. Princess Alexandra", the patron saints of the late Czar and Czarina, to whom the icon was presented. The reverse is inscribed with the names of the donors, as follows: Princess Galizina; Countess Belefskaya; E. A. Schneider; Countess A. A. Olsufeva; E. H. Kozlaninova; Princess A. H. Lubanova-Rastovskaya; M. A. Vasilchikova; Count and Countess G. G. Stanbok; M. P. Stepanov; V. S. Gadon; Prince and Princess Youssoupoff; A. A. and M. P. Stakhovitch; Count and Countess Shuvalov; B. Q. Junkovsky; K. A. and L. G. Balasnaya; A. P. Korniloff; A. L. Martinoff From the Winter Palace. MRS. JOHN L. PRATT

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] The Schaffer Collection of Russian Imperial Art Treasures ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK October 1, 1937 #2136 Jade parasol top mounted in gold-gilt silver by CARL G. FABERGE [sic], the celebrated Russian Court jeweler. It is cut from the jade in a very curious manner with tapering, bulbous areas up the sides, flaring outwards to the top which is designed in a four-petaled [sic] manner. In this specimen, the jade is of a soft but brilliant green coloring. From the personal belongings of Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna, wife of Nicholas II, the late Czar of Russia.

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] The Schaffer Collection of Russian Imperial Art Treasures ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK August 18, 1937 #2237 Tiny solid gold oval box by CARL G. FABERGÉ, the celebrated Russian Court jeweler. It is designed with alternating green and narrow blue enamel stripes, and bears on the cover an oval carnelian minutely engraved in the Arabic script with excerpts from the Koran. It is surrounded by a row of diamonds. Like all of FABERGÉ's boxes, the fit of cover to box is a notable instance of his technique. Here also he has employed the hinges which appear on the finest eighteenth century gold snuff boxes. It is one of the best examples of his craftsmanship.

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] The Schaffer Collection of Russian Imperial Art Treasures ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK August 18, 1937 #2238 Rare miniature Easter egg by CARL G. FABERGE, the celebrated Russian Court jeweler. The egg form is executed in solid gold overlaid by settings of silver for the bands of diamonds which rise from the bottom and cover the lower portion of the egg. From these bands, tendrils arise and, entwining over the gold surface of the egg, are executed in diamonds. The bottom bears a cabochon-cut ruby.

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] The Schaffer Collection of Russian Imperial Art Treasures ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK October 1, 1937 #2243 An example of the miniature sculpture of CARL G. FABERGE [sic]: a pig cut out of lapis lazuli. In this example of the Russian master's work, the lapis selected is a brilliant blue with rich markings and flecks of gold. It is executed in an extremely naturalistic manner with such details as hooves, ears, and mouth minutely detailed.

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] Article No. 5571 Magnificent gold snuffbox in oval shape with hinged lid. It is hand-wrought with a chased gold mounting. The lid has an oval gray and white cameo, masterfully carved with a mythological sea scene, signed "W. Eissel", outstanding German master. This is framed with fifty large diamonds and about one hundred small ones. The edge is in carved scroll design including two gargoyles over lapis blue enamel, and set with many diamonds, four of which are about one karat each. The sides are finished in the same treatment, having the crown and monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm in the front and the German imperial eagle in the back, all set in diamonds. The crown also has two rubies. At either end are small round cameos of mermen by the same master. Four kneeling cherubim, placed within shells of blue enamel and diamonds, support the cover. The bottom of the box is engraved with another sea scene showing Neptune and Venus receiving homage, while the background is again of blue enamel. This box was made for the Kaiser of Germany, and was so admired by Nicholai II, the former presented him with it. From the Snuffbox Collection of Nicholai II and his wife Alexandra, in the Alexander Palace, Tsarskoye Selo.

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] The Schaffer Collection of Russian Imperial Art Treasures ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK October 11, 1937 #798 Very unusual panagia portraying "Christ Blessing the Universe". It is carved out of green jasper in a two-colored effect, and mounted in a very interesting hand-made silver frame surmounted by crown [sic] and studded with amethysts, rubies and aquamarines. Attached to it is a gold gilt silver chain cut out by hand. Russian, early nineteenth century. From the personal belongings of Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna, wife of Nicholas II, the late Czar of Russia.

Description: In a publicity shot that was circulated to newspapers, Rosamond Fulmer leans on a counter behind ten imperial Easter eggs on display at Hammer Galleries. Several icons can be seen hanging on the wall to the right behind Fulmer.