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Faberge brooch with royal provenance at Wartski’s
Posted by LauraM on December 12, 2021, 8:20 am
This beautiful piece was
“ Purchased by Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna on 14th July, 1909 for 150 roubles. Formerly the property of Her late Royal Highness Princess Arthur of Connaught, granddaughter of King Edward the VII. The original drawing is recorded in one of the two surviving albums of Albert Holmström.”
I don't have an answer to your question Beth, but here is some speculation: The purchase was made in Russia 14 July 1909, and on 2 August 1909 the imperial yacht Standart arrived in Britain carrying Nicholas II and family to visit for Cowes week where they spent time with British royal family members. The dowager empress was not a part of the visiting Russian group but it is possible that she sent gifts which was something she frequently did. Her sister Queen Alexandra comes to mind as the recipient, but it could have been for her niece Louise duchess of Fife, or Victoria of Wales who was an avid collector of Faberge. The brooch could have been bequeathed from any of these ladies to Pss Arthur
I have looked through Faberge in the Royal Collection by Caroline de Guitaut but didn't find another item that is said to have been purchased by Maria Feodorovna on 14 July 1909. But that book only features around 350 items from a collection that approaches 900 objects.
on December 12, 2021, 8:20 am