The minaure is described in the Sotheby's catalog as "an oval miniature of Peter the Great dressed in armor with a blue, ermine-edged cape and wearing the sash of the Order of St. Andrew the First Called, enclosed in a diamond-set frame, hinged and hanging from an Imperial crown enameled royal blue and set with numerous diamonds; the reverse with a gold oval plaque engraved with a triple-crowned, Imperial double-headed eagle (the eagle and orb retaining some of the original enameled decoration), the back of the diamonds' settings' enameled in white with red and black ornament." It measures 3.5 inches high, and is estimated to sell between $80,000.00 and $120,000.00.
As the article states, much was unknown about the miniature until the family hired an appraiser. The miniature was purchased from a London dealer in 1951.
Associated Press - October 28, 2009 5:54 AM ET
NEW YORK (AP) - A miniature portrait of Peter the Great in a diamond-encrusted frame will be auctioned in New York City. Its importance was discovered only recently by the Arizona family that had owned it for decades.
Experts believe as few as 10 of the portraits were bestowed by the czar on subjects who provided exceptional service. Until the latest discovery, only five were known to still exist, including three in museums.
Sotheby's says the estate of the original owner, George Roberts, discovered its history when it was appraised this summer. Roberts purchased it in 1951 from a London dealer.
The rare Russian treasure will be offered Monday. Its pre-sale estimate is $80,000 to $120,000.
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