.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The Cyrillic monogram applied in diamonds is that of Elena Pavlovna, née Princess Charlotte of Württemberg (1807-1873). She married Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich (1798 -1849) in 1824.
The date inscribed around this monogram is the feast day of St. Mary Magdalen and is thought to be the Saint's day of Maria Feodorovna, mother of Mikhail Pavlovich. Maria Feodorovna was the aunt of Elena Pavlovna as well as her mother-in-law and it is very likely that this box was a gift from the Czarina to her niece and daughter-in-law.
Elena Pavlovna was a patron of the Russian Musical Society and on a visit in 1867, Hector Berlioz was invited to play with the society. Elena Pavlovna's interest in music was enhanced at an early stage when as a small child, was educated in art, music and literature within the court. The family wished her to marry and settle in this way and this placed her passion for the creative arts at the centre of attention during a time when world-renowned composers were reaching new heights in Russia and abroad.
This musical automaton box may well have been present at the Russian Musical Society at this time and handled by the likes of Berlioz and Verdi.
The quality and attention to detail to both the movement and casework is outstanding and comparing this example to ones with just automaton action, the vari-colour gold automaton detail is, on closer inspection, much finer. The musical air which accompanies the movement is not one which appears to be recorded.
The date inscribed around this monogram is the feast day of St. Mary Magdalen and is thought to be the Saint's day of Maria Feodorovna, mother of Mikhail Pavlovich. Maria Feodorovna was the aunt of Elena Pavlovna as well as her mother-in-law and it is very likely that this box was a gift from the Czarina to her niece and daughter-in-law.
Elena Pavlovna was a patron of the Russian Musical Society and on a visit in 1867, Hector Berlioz was invited to play with the society. Elena Pavlovna's interest in music was enhanced at an early stage when as a small child, was educated in art, music and literature within the court. The family wished her to marry and settle in this way and this placed her passion for the creative arts at the centre of attention during a time when world-renowned composers were reaching new heights in Russia and abroad.
This musical automaton box may well have been present at the Russian Musical Society at this time and handled by the likes of Berlioz and Verdi.
The quality and attention to detail to both the movement and casework is outstanding and comparing this example to ones with just automaton action, the vari-colour gold automaton detail is, on closer inspection, much finer. The musical air which accompanies the movement is not one which appears to be recorded.