- 723
A porcelain soup plate from the Service of Field Marshal Prince Baryatinsky, Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, period of Nicholas II (1894-1917)
Description
- diameter: 24.5cm, 9¾in.
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Prince Alexander Ivanovich Baryatinsky (1814 - 1879) was a Russian General, a Field Marshal and a governor of the Caucasus. When he was seventeen years old he entered school of the ensigns of the Guard and two years later received his commission of cornet in the Life Guards of the future Tsar Alexander II. During the he first few years of his military service Baryatinsky led a frivolous way of life and was therefore sent to the Caucasus where he served with great gallantry. On his return to St. Petersburg was rewarded with a golden sword for valour. In 1836 he was attached to the suite of Alexander and later was sent to the Caucasus once again where he distinguished himself and received the Order of St. George for his attack on Shamil's stronghold. In 1856 Baryatinsky became commander-in-chief of the Caucasian army and subsequently, governor of the Caucasus. Alexander II valued Baryatinsky's services, his military achievements and loyalty to the state. As Tsar he awarded him the order of St. Andrew, the highest order of chivalry of the Russian Empire.
The dinner service decorated with all of the Field Marshal's regalia could have been commissioned by Baryatinsky himself, who was notorious for his extraordinary vanity bordering on narcissism. However, it is not unlikely that it was Alexander II who commissioned this porcelain service as a token of his appreciation and gratitude. Based on its design this dinner service is comparable to similar services owned by officials of the highest rank during Catherine the Great's reign. These were also often embellished with monograms, mottos, and order insignia. Baryatinsky's heirs kept the service at their ancestral estate of Maryino, where it was displayed in a special pyramid-shaped vitrine.
For a photograph of other pieces from the same service, please see Anne Odom and Liana Paredes Arend, A Taste for Splendor, Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia USA, 1998, pp.50-51