One-of-a-kind Tsarist furniture almost sold
Published: 16 May, 2009, 09:07
TAGS: Art, Russia, Thrills&Spills, Europe
A rare 19th century collection of chairs and sofas from the Russian Imperial Winter palace in St. Petersburg has been discovered at Helsinki’s Bukowski auction.
The 2009 International Spring Sale at Finland’s Bukowski Auction House boasted a truly unique Russian flavor. Even for its most experienced experts lot number 325 was no ordinary find. The suite of imperial furniture was found in a home in Finland and was up for sale at the auction.
“The owners… came to me at the end of January with the picture of the furniture they wanted to sell and when I saw the serial number I realised it was something that had to do with the Winter Palace,” said Maria Ekman-Kolari, Specialist at Bukowski Auction House
Unbeknownst to its Finnish owners, the 11-piece set did indeed once grace the Silver Salon at St Petersburg’s Winter Palace, which belonged to Russia’s last imperial couple – Czar Nikolai the Second and his spouse Alexandra Fyodorovna.
The discovery meant an unprecedented level of interest in Thursday’s auction, but in a last minute twist, a different family member came forward to claim ownership of the furniture, meaning its sale had to be postponed and those keen to see Russia’s heritage brought home were left disappointed.
“We won’t give up as the set is an outstanding and unique example of skilled Russian furniture-making from the late 19th century,” said Viktor Faibisovich, Head of New Acquisitions at the Hermitage.
Imperial furniture from St. Petersburg's Winter Palace at Bukowski Auction House. Image from www.yle.fi
Bukowski’s Spring collection contained some 100 lots of Russian artifacts in total – including silverwork, paintings and nine Faberge pieces.
“We have been a part of Russia from 1809-1917. Due to our historic connections with Russia we have a lot of Russian objects and in the past auctions they have sold very well,” said Christian Boman, Chief Executive Officer at Bukowski.
Indeed, if one takes a stroll around Helsinki’s Senate Square there is no way of escaping the steady stare of the Statue of Alexander II, which serves as a constant reminder to the people there of the deep and intricate history that binds Russia and Finland.
15.05.2009, 12:52
2 comments
Russian imperial treasure removed from auctionTreasures belonging to the Russian tsars have been removed from the Bukowski Spring Auction due to ownership disputes. |
16.05.2009, 22:05
1 comment
Night at the museumOne of the most highly anticipated and popular events in the Moscow art calendar is held on the night of May 16 – May 17, when the city’s museums are open to the late hours and are free of charge. |
Wonder what legal implications apply: Could they be considered as "the legal spoils of war" allowing them to be sold on in the first instance or "receiver of stolen property" where even the buyer of the goods in the first instance, forfeit the right to the property they have bought because of it being stolen. -Guess no-one will ever pursue this line of thought because there are many 'big names' involved with 'buying' the property back in the day! It is a fallacy to believe that all the possessions of the royal family were 'state owned' -they were not. Only the emblems of state and anything gifted to state, willingly. And then there were the aristocratic families, whose possession were stolen, also -nothing to do with state. But then, it is a thought not worth pursuing because the tides of change have long redirected the water currents and those who should have benefited: the poor and needy, didn't at time, nor would now. One man can feast, whilst the hungry look on, Or all can sit at the table and feel satisfied -this did not happen pre or post revolution -it's still waiting to happen.