Art Market Magazine - Visit zone-secure.net
Art Market Magazine - Visit zone-secure.net
Art Market Magazine - Visit zone-secure.net
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THE MAGAZINE AUCTION RESULTS<br />
€42,850<br />
Imperial profile<br />
There was a tussle for this precious medallion (estimated no higher than €4,000) up to €42,850 on 27 March at<br />
Drouot (Tajan). This enthusiasm was due to the jewel's Russian origin, and the fact that it featured the profile of Tsar<br />
Alexander I (1777-1825) and a more discreet stamp in red wax, probably that of the collections of the princely<br />
Yusupov family. The Yusupovs originally came from Egypt and Syria, and were said to be descended from a<br />
nephew of Mohamed's, which explains the star and crescent on their coat of arms. Nikolai Borisovich Yusupov<br />
(1750-1831), senator, diplomat, Minister and Superintendant of the Royal Theatres, built up one of the largest<br />
collections in Europe. This medallion bears the stamp of a silversmith – probably Yakov Gerasimov Moiseev (born<br />
in 1773 and active until 1811) – and that of Veliky Ustyug, the Russian niello capital, where engravings were both<br />
very dark and fine. The Tsar's profile bears witness to the virtuosity of the craftsmen in this city in the Vologda<br />
Oblast region. Sylvain Alliod<br />
94 GAZETTE DROUOT INTERNATIONAL I N° 25
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