1101, undated

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] #1101 Exceptionally beautiful and rare gold (handwritten) miniature icon depicting the “Holy Virgin and Child Enthroned” set in an oval frame meticulously carved and chased with roses and emerald green leaves. The painting is of the most minute dimensions and is superbly painted with a perfection of details and beauty of characterization rarely achieved. At top an interesting attachment is mounted with a blue sapphire while from the bottom hang a pink ruby an emerald and a pearl [last phrase handwritten]. Mounted in a beautifully designed triptych of “Old Russian” design. [Scratched through: lined with an ancient piece of brocade]. Hinges conform to the design of the case and are in solid silver intricately chased. [An “X” appears here, referring to where the last paragraph at the end of the text should be inserted] From the personal belongings of Alexandra Feodorovna, wife of Nicholas II, the late Czar of Russia. From the Alexander Palace at Tsarskoye Selo. $300.00 “X” - The icon bears an inscription meaning “Save and Protect”. It is signed by the artist: “M. Chuknovsky”.