Footnotes

This impressing soup tureen is a rare example of early 19th century Petersburg silver distinguished by its large scale and fine quality. Stylistically, the tureen's ornament is reminiscent of the earlier Saltykoff (Saltikov) service created by the French master Antoine Boullier 1782-1784 and included in Baron de Foelkersam's 1907 inventory (plate 42). The proposed lot is likely to have been made for the dowry of Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna by an acclaimed Petersburg maker well-versed in the Neo-Classicism favoured at Court.

George Friedrich Pomo (Pameau) was a prominent silversmith: born in St. Petersburg and apprenticed to his Austrian father, Herman Friedrich Pomo, George (sometimes Egor) became a master in 1797 and remained active until at least 1825. Although few examples of his output survive, we know that he completed a number of prestigious orders for the Russian Imperial Court preserved in the Kremlin Armoury, the Hermitage Museum and elsewhere. Among these are herald's staffs for the Russian orders of Alexander Nevsky, St. Anne and St. Catherine circa 1797, an impressive desk set gifted by St. Petersburg merchants to Alexander I on the occasion of his coronation in 1801 and a silver dowry service for Grand Duchess Ekaterina Pavlovna in 1809.

Following further Imperial commissions, Pomo was entrusted with a monumental table service for the dowry of Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna (1795-1865), youngest daughter of Paul I, sister of Alexander I and Nicholas I. It is for this service that the proposed soup tureen is thought to have been created. From 1811-1813, four silver tureens were complemented by an enormous array of serving pieces, dinner and breakfast sets in addition to dozens of candlesticks complemented by an extensive porcelain service from the Imperial Porcelain factory. The dowry also included furniture, jewellery and large sums of money.

The lavish wedding of Anna Pavlovna to William of Orange, the Dutch Crown Prince took place on 21 February 1816 and their ascension to the throne of the Netherlands in 1840. Queen Anna Pavlovna maintained the customs she'd learned at her parents' table. She took an active interest in the daily menu at court and was critical of her chefs meanwhile longing for the sophisticated dining traditions she'd known during her upbringing.

For further information on George Friedrich Pomo, see Постникова-Лосева, М.М.; Платонова, Н.Г.; Ульянова, Б.Л. Золотое и серебряное дело XV - XX вв. Территория СССР Издательство: М.: Юнвес, ТРИО 1995 г.ISBN: 5-88682-002-7 and Лилия Кузнецова. Петербургские ювелиры XIX века. Дней Александровых прекрасное начало М. 2012. ISBN: 978-5-227-03886-9

We are grateful to Dr. Ludmila Dementieva of the State Historical Museum, Moscow, for her contribution to this entry.