A GIFT FROM DOWAGER EMPRESS MARIA FEODOROVNA: AN IMPERIAL FABERGÉ GOLD AND ENAMEL FRAME, WORKMASTER JOHAN VICTOR AARNE, ST PETERSBURG, 1899-1900 |

of demilune form, enamelled in translucent pale turquoise over wavy sunburst engine-turning, the oval bezel above a leaf and berry spray, the ribbon surmount suspending four-colour gold floral festoons, reeded border, mother of pearl back, silver-gilt scroll strut, struck with workmaster initials and Fabergé in Cyrillic, 56 and 88 standards, scratched inventory number 3370, containing a photograph of Princess Marie Louise of Hanover and Cumberland

Purchased by Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia (1847-1928) on 21 July 1900 Princess Thyra of Denmark, Crown Princess of Hanover and Duchess of Cumberland and Teviotdale (1853-1933)

Princess Olga of Hanover (1884-1958)

Prince Ernst August of Hanover (1914-1987)

Countess Monika zu Solms-Laubach, Princess of Hanover (1929-2015)

Sold, Sotheby's London, 24 November 2008, lot 19

Property of a Private Collector

Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, 5 December 1986 - 22 February 1987, cat. no. 429 
Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, 28 November 2003 - 12 April 2004, cat. no.  251

G. von Habsburg, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, Munich, 1986, pp. 227-8, illustrated
G. von Habsburg, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, Munich, 2003, p. 227, illustrated

Excellent, crisp condition. There are tiny firing flaws on the upper right surface of the enamel; these are visible in the catalogue photo. The gold surfaces with very faint nicks and scratches consistent with age.
"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."

Princess Thyra had the good fortune of being the sister of Fabergé's two greatest patrons, Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia and Queen Alexandra of Great Britain.  The giving of presents among them was a strong tradition, with every occasion commemorated with the exchange of small, luxurious things.  Princess Thyra amassed an impressive collection of Fabergé objects which included a number of small frames in addition to the present lot, pill boxes, gum pots, paper knives, and hardstone animals, which were sold at Sotheby's London in 2008. Princess Thyra chose an image of her eldest daughter, Princess Marie Louise of Hanover (1879-1948), to place in the frame.  The photograph is her engagement picture, with the groom unceremoniously cropped out.  She married, on 10 July 1900 at Gmunden, Austria-Hungary, Prince Maximilian of Baden (1867-1929), later Margrave of Baden.  The couple were third cousins once removed, sharing descent from Charles II, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and Princess Friederike of Hesse-Darmstadt.