HENRI BENNER | Portrait of Alexander I, Emperor of Russia (1777-1825), circa 1821

Sale, Geneva, Christie's, 19 November 1980, lot 148 (one of two);
with Edwin Bucher, Trogen, by 1981

Minor damage around margins with some parts retouched, most evident in sky areas. In the background around his true left shoulder a mark has been partly reduced.
"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."

Henry Benner trained under Jean-Baptiste Isabey in Paris before emigrating to Russia. He held the position of Court painter to Emperor Alexander I in St Petersburg from 1817 to 1828. He achieved considerable notoriety, but the failure of his publication of engraved miniature portraits depicting the Russian nobility left him in financial ruin. This and the following five lots have red leather labels affixed to the reserve stamped in gold with the identification of the sitters. Of this group only one is dated (1821), that of Elisaveta Alekseevna, Empress of Russia (lot 321). Each work is numbered and mounted in identical frames, suggesting they are part of a large set. As the portrait of Grand Duke Nicholas Pavlovich (lot 325) is labelled Nikoli I this indicates that the labels were applied after he became Emperor in 1826.