statue of a bust of a man in a military uniform
Hermitage Fine Art

50 - MARK ANTOKOLSKY (1843–1902) Bust of Emperor Nicholas II sign…
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Estimate €25,000 - €30,000
Sale commission
Description
MARK ANTOKOLSKY (1843–1902) Bust of Emperor Nicholas II signed ‘M. Antokolsky’ on the model (on the reverse), incised mark ‘E. Muller’ (on the reverse) ceramic H. 37 cm after the 1896 marble model This ceramic bust is based on the famous portrait of Emperor Nicholas II created by Mark Antokolsky in Paris in 1896, shortly after the sovereign’s accession to the throne. It is one of the most significant official commissions of the sculptor’s later career. Produced in several versions during the artist’s lifetime, the composition was executed in marble and bronze. The marble version is now held at the Russian Museum in St Petersburg (inv. ПФ-78). Created shortly after the accession of Nicholas II in 1894, this portrait captures the young emperor at the beginning of his reign with the refined naturalism and psychological depth characteristic of Antokolski’s mature portraits. Signed by the sculptor on the model and bearing Émile Muller’s incised mark, this ceramic version was produced by the prestigious French manufactory. The collaboration between Mark Antokolski and Émile Muller is well documented, and several works bear witness to this partnership. Of museum quality and extremely rare, this bust is one of the most remarkable surviving ceramic examples of this iconic imperial portrait. At the buyer’s request, we shall be happy to provide a general report on the condition of the lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise potential buyers to carry out their own inspection or to consult a specialist of their choice to obtain a full assessment of the lot’s condition. Descriptions of lots provided in the catalogue or by correspondence are for information purposes only and should not be regarded as a definitive assessment. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION REGARDING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.
See original version (French)
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About the sale FINE ART: 19th-century art, Modern and Contemporary art, Eastern European art, Icons
Auction location
Auction time 07/14/2026 at 2:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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