Apr 21, 2026 10:00 EST
Russian Paintings / Russian Works of Art
233
Fabergé Jeweled Silver-Gilt and Guilloché Enamel Imperial Presentation Cigarette Case
Workmaster August Hollming, St. Petersburg, 1908-1917, scratched inventory number 1773
Rectangular, enameled in translucent blue over a sunburst engine-turned ground, the hinged cover applied with a diamond-set gold Imperial double-headed eagle, with diamond cabochon push-piece.
Length 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm).
Provenance:
One of three cigarette cases decorated with blue enamel, an Imperial eagle and diamonds acquired by the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty from Fabergé's St. Petersburg branch on April 16, 1909.
Given to Emperor Nicholas II on March 15, 1910 for use as a personal gift, presented to Mr. Krusenstern on March 22, 1910, or presented to Empress Maria Feodorovna on March 8, 1911.
With A La Vieille Russie, New York.
Purchased from the above by the present owner.
Sold for $54,400
Estimated at $15,000 - $25,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Workmaster August Hollming, St. Petersburg, 1908-1917, scratched inventory number 1773
Rectangular, enameled in translucent blue over a sunburst engine-turned ground, the hinged cover applied with a diamond-set gold Imperial double-headed eagle, with diamond cabochon push-piece.
Length 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm).
Provenance:
One of three cigarette cases decorated with blue enamel, an Imperial eagle and diamonds acquired by the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty from Fabergé's St. Petersburg branch on April 16, 1909.
Given to Emperor Nicholas II on March 15, 1910 for use as a personal gift, presented to Mr. Krusenstern on March 22, 1910, or presented to Empress Maria Feodorovna on March 8, 1911.
With A La Vieille Russie, New York.
Purchased from the above by the present owner.
Notes:
The present cigarette case, with the scratched inventory number 1773, was one of three cigarette cases, each decorated with blue enamel, an Imperial eagle and diamonds, acquired by the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty from Fabergé's St. Petersburg branch on April 16, 1909. The Gift Book of the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty records these three cases as being given out as follows: the first to Emperor Nicholas II on March 15, 1910, for use as a personal gift; the second to Mr. Krusenstern on March 22, 1910; and the third to Empress Maria Feodorovna on March 8, 1911. The case numbered 1773 was the first of the three cases recorded on Fabergé's invoice. According to the custom of the Cabinet, items were presented in the order in which they were recorded on the invoice. As the first of the three blue enamel cases went to Emperor Nicholas II on March 15, 1910, it is possible, although not certain, that this was the case numbered 1773 (the present lot).
Another Fabergé silver-gilt and guilloché enamel Imperial Presentation cigarette case by August Hollming, dated 1908-1917 (with no scratched inventory number), and decorated with blue enamel, an Imperial eagle and diamonds, was sold Property from a Distinguished Midwest Private Collection, Christie’s, April 15, 2013, lot 21.
We are grateful to Dmitry Krivoshey for his assistance with the research of the present lot.
Russian Works of Art
In generally good condition. Lower left corner of cover (near hinge) with old repair to enamel, visible under UV light. Light glue residue around diamond on eagle on cover, visible under UV light. No other visible repairs to enamel. Surface scratches in areas.
Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact and our Organization shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Please contact the specialist department to request further information or additional images that may be available.
Auction: Russian Paintings / Russian Works of Art, Apr 21, 2026
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Auction of Russian Paintings / Russian Works of Art Tops $1.7 Million
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April 21, 2026 Sale Total Soars Past Expectations Amid International Bidding
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Circa 1905 Winter Sunset by Ivan Fedorovich Choultsé Achieved $152,900
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Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
NEW YORK, NY – Doyle’s highly successful auction of Russian Paintings / Russian Works of Art on April 21, 2026 saw international bidding drive outstanding results and a sale total that topped $1.7 million – far surpassing expectations. The paintings section of the sale delivered exceptional prices for a broad range of Russian art spanning the 19th and 20th centuries.
Ivan Fedorovich Choultsé
Transatlantic competition drove bidding on a radiant landscape by Ivan Fedorovich Choultsé (1874–1939) far beyond its $20,000–40,000 estimate, achieving an impressive $152,900. Titled Coucher de soleil (Engadine), or Twilight of the Gods, the circa 1905 work captures a brilliant sunset over a snow-covered landscape in the Swiss Alps—a region that proved a rich source of inspiration for the artist. Choultsé was celebrated for his masterful handling of light, particularly in winter scenes, where he rendered snow and ice with remarkable luminosity and depth.
Alexey Gavrilovich Venetsianov
Portrait of a Girl with a Hay Rake attributed to Alexey Gavrilovich Venetsianov achieved a stunning $140,200 amid spirited bidding that spanned the globe. Venetsianov (1780-1847) is widely regarded for his sensitive portrayals of rural life, which helped shape a distinctly Russian school of genre painting in the early 19th century. Property from a West Coast Private Collection, the present painting depicts a young peasant girl rendered in the characteristic manner of the Russian master.
Dmitri Krasnopevtsev
Strong results were also seen for Soviet non-conformist art, with a focused group of works underscoring continued demand for “unofficial” artists working beyond the limits of state-sanctioned doctrine. Among them, a still life by Dmitri Krasnopevtsev (1925-1995) achieved $70,350, reflecting sustained collector interest in artists who developed highly individual visual languages—often marked by wit, experimentation, and a pointed engagement with the realities of Soviet life.
Russian Works of Art
The April 21 sale also featured a section showcasing Russian Works of Art, including Fabergé, enamels, silver, porcelain and icons. (Read More)
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for complimentary auction estimates. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
