Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
A rare pair of full-height bronze figures, executed in cold-painted technique, depicting the Kamer-Cossacks of the Russian Imperial Family’s personal guard A.A. Kudinov and N.N. Pustynnikov. The figures are shown in full ceremonial uniform with medals and decorations, wearing tall papakha hats and long kaftans enriched with gilt ornament. The composition was inspired by the celebrated commission of Emperor Nicholas II, for whom Henrik Wigström, chief jeweller of Fabergé, created gem-carved miniatures of the Kamer-Cossacks in 1912, presented respectively to the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna and the reigning Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.
The soles bear inscriptions: “Kamer-Kazakh SV 1894”, “A.A. Kudinov”, “N.N. Pustynnikov”, “Fabergé 1912”.
Marks: Cast inscriptions on the soles: “KAMER-KAZAKH SV 1894”, “A.A. Kudinov”, “N.N. Pustynnikov”, “FABERGÉ 1912”.
Dimensions: Height 40 cm.
Condition: Good. Minor wear to gilding and painted surfaces, without visible losses. Figures preserve the sharpness of details and their collectible quality.
Provenance: Private European collection.
The Kamer-Cossacks formed part of the Russian emperors’ personal guard, serving both ceremonial and protective functions at court. Established in 1827, this corps included Cossack representatives dressed in highly ornate ceremonial uniforms. At the turn of the 20th century, they became inseparable from court etiquette, accompanying the sovereigns at parades, processions, and state occasions.
A.A. Kudinov and N.N. Pustynnikov played a unique role in the memory of the Romanov dynasty. In 1912, on the occasion of the Romanov Tercentenary, Emperor Nicholas II ordered Fabergé to create gem-carved miniatures of these guards, executed by Henrik Wigström. They were presented as imperial gifts to Maria Feodorovna and Alexandra Feodorovna, linking the guards’ service with Fabergé’s artistry.
These bronze cold-painted figures continue Fabergé’s tradition of “living portraits,” reflecting the artistry of early 20th-century Russian decorative art and its connection to Imperial court traditions. Rare and museum-worthy, they remain significant testimonies to the splendour of the Romanov era.
Good. Minor wear to gilding and painted surfaces, without visible losses. The figures retain sharp detail and collectible quality.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
