Catalog: The Royal and the Rich: Objets de Luxe of the Privileged Class
Below is a listing of items which are available for exhibition. We can tailor-make the exhibit to meet your needs and budget. Listing is subject to change.
Important letter by Grigory Rasputin, hand-written and signed, mentioning his associate being sent away
This letter, circa 1915, was written by Russian religious and political figure Grigory Rasputin and includes the original enveloped addressed to "Noble Prince Obolensky".
French Document Signed by Marie Antoinette at Versailles
An important French document signed by Marie Antoinette at Versailles in 1783 ordering the treasurer of the house to pay for the queen's dresses.
18th Century Austrian Patent of Nobility
A very rare Patent of Nobility dating from 18th century Austria. Incudes a fully illuminated page illustrating the arms of the noble family. Patent is signed by Maria Theresa of Austria, mother of Marie Antoinette, the ill-fated Queen of France.
Book, French, Paris, 1728, bearing armorial crest of the Dauphin of France, son of King Louis XV and heir to the French throne, Office de la Semaine Sainte (Holy Week)
This book belonged to the Dauphin of France, heir to the French throne. The title page reads, "Dedicated to the Queen for usage in her house during Holy Week (Easter Week)." Bears the arms of the Dauphin, son of Louis XV.
Book, Italian, Naples, 1752, bearing the armorial crest of Carlo, Infante di Spagna, Duca di Parma, Piacena, &c. &c. Prodromo delle Antichita’ d’ Ercolano (Excavations of Herculaneum) by Bayardi
The first official work on the excavations at Herculaneum, near Pompeii. For his highness, the Duke of Parma, later Charles III, King of Spain. The books are heavily gilded with the arms of the Grand Duke on the covers.
Book, French, Paris, 1781, Moutard, Imprimeur-Libraire de la Reine, de Madame, & de Madame la Comtesse d'Artois, bearing the armorial crest of Queen Marie Antoinette of France, from the Queen's library, De la Lecture des Livres Francois
De la Lecture des Livres Francois. Volume bears the arms of Queen Marie Antoinette and is from the Queen's library. Printed in Paris in 1781 by Moutard.
Portrait of Ferdinand II de Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany
This painting is attributed to the Italian court painter Justus Sustermans and captures the Grand Duke of Tuscany at the height of his power. Other Susterman's portraits of Ferdinand II de Medici hang in museums, including the National Gallery in London and the National Museum Wales.
Louis II de Bourbon, Prince de Condé, 'The Great Condé'
Large portrait of the Prince de Condé, known as 'The Great Condé', cousin to King Louis XIV of France and one of France's greatest 17th century military commanders.
Portrait of Don Alonso de Vargas, Spanish Commander
According to the writing in the upper left hand corner of the painting, Don Alonso de Vargas was a commander under Philip III and IV in Flanders and died in 1636. No attribution.
Portrait of Louise Francoise de Bourbon, daughter of Louis XIV and Athenais de Montespan
Portrait of Louise Francoise de Bourbon, daughter of Louis XIV and Athenais de Montespan, attributed to Francois de Troy, painter to Louis XIV and the House of France.
