After Nikolai Georgievich Shleifer (Russian, 1864-1940) Bust of Emperor Alexander III, after 1909 Patinated bronze 8-1/4 inches (21.0 cm) Signed in Russian "N. Shleyfer'" to left shoulder PROVENANCE: Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna; Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna; Prince Nikita Alexandrovich; Prince Alexander Nikitich Romanoff; Princess Maria Romanoff. The offered lot originally formed part of the personal property of the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna at the Danish estate of Hvidøre which she shared with her sister Queen Alexandra of Great Britain, and the sculpture may be seen in photographs of the interiors of the house which are in an album presented to the Metropolitan Museum by Prince and Princess Romanoff in 1996 (Metropolitan Museum accession number 1996.438.2). The bust passed in direct descent from the dowager empress to her daughter, grandson and great grandson to the present day. Nikolai Schleifer was a talented sculptor, as well as an important figure in international politics. He served under Alexander III at Russian consulates in both Italy and in Germany, and his bust of Alexander III was well-received and popular when it was introduced in 1909. Schleiffer also created the first monument to playwright Anton Chekhov in Germany (Bandeweiler, 1908). Estate of Princess Maria Romanoff HID03101062020 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"