Mikhail Kirillovich Naryshkin: A Russian Gilt Silver Triptych of the Nativity Ivan Khlebnikov, Moscow, circa 1888, in original fitted presentation case 8-1/2 x 5 inches (21.6 x 12.7 cm) With original Khlebnikov presentation case. PROVENANCE: Presented to Mikhail Kirillovich Naryshkin, (Russian 1825 – 1890). Ruth S. Nelkin's notes indicate she acquired this icon privately on September 1, 1978 for $7,000. The Naryshkin family was one of the most distinguished aristocratic families of the Russian empire, and their origins are in the 15th century. The family rose to prominence when Natalia Kirillovna Naryshkina married Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich of Russia, and would become the mother of Peter the Great. As a result, the Romanovs always addressed the members of the Naryshkin family as "cousin". Because of their Boyar origins, the Naryshkins looked askance at the western titles introduced by Peter, preferring to remain "merely" noble and progenitors of the Imperial House. Mikhail Kirillovich Naryshkin was born in Moscow on November 18, 1825, the son of General Kirill Naryshkin, whose brother was the Decembrist M.N. Naryshkin. He received an education at home and entered military service in 1843. He was promoted to Cornet (1844), Captain of the Guards (1856), Colonel (1860), Major General of the Retinue of His Majesty (1866). He was appointed Military Governor of Kazan (1863), elevated to Lieutenant General (1878), after which he was promoted to Commander of the 1st Local Brigade (1885). The offered lot was likely commissioned by his colleagues in the 1st Local Brigade to commemorate his appointment as Commander after September 30, 1885. After further positions in St. Petersburg, Naryshkin retired to Moscow where he died October 13, 1890. Property from the Nelkin Collection HID03101062020 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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