A Russian Ivory-Veneered Sculpture of the Narva Triumphal Arch, circa 1900

surmounted with a carved figure of Victory driving a team of six horses, the upper and lower plinths mounted with similar sculptural figures painted in black, the pillars carved with acanthus leaves, the inner arch chased with rectangular panels, the upper section applied with presentation plaques, the whole on a later stepped plinth of ebonized wood

some cracking and discoloration 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The wave of patriotic feelings after the victory over the French in the Napoleonic wars wrought a fundamental change in St. Petersburg's architecture. Classical symbols of military victory such as Rostral Columns and Triumphal Arches were introduced throughout the city. In 1814, after Russian troops took Paris, architect Giacomo Quarenghi (1744-1817) designed a temporary Triumphal Arch to be erected on the Narva Highway. The single-span arch, crowned with a Chariot of Victory with six horses and lavishly decorated with sculptures by Ivan Terebenev (1780-1815) was designed for victorious troops to pass under on their return to St. Petersburg. In 1834 the arch was rebuilt by Vasily Stasov (1769-1848) in stone with the same design.