Collections : [Virginia Museum of Fine Arts]

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

VMFA Archives
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library
200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220-4007
Primary Collecting Areas:
VMFA institutional records, Donor papers, Virginia Artists Archives, Oral histories, Artist subject files, Analog, and digital audiovisual collections
Description:

The Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library provides access to a wealth of rare and unique primary source materials for scholars, researchers, and the public.

The Archives consists of a diverse and growing collection of permanent materials, covering museum history from its beginnings in the 1930s until today. The Archives includes institutional records from over 25 museum departments, thousands of artist and subject files, as well as donated collections related to the museum and the history of art in Virginia. The Archives also recently launched the Virginia Artists Archives, a collecting initiative that aims to create a rich, diverse, and unprecedented collection of Virginia artists’ papers to increase awareness about the contributions of Virginia artists, both past and present.

POC: Roxanne Winfield
Phone: (804) 340-1497
Phone: (804) 340-1495
Start Over Repository Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Date range 1940

5450-17 1 page Box SC-07 Box 1, Folder 10, Item SC07.02.3.144

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] COIN Large commemorative medallion heavily wrought in silver, featuring Queen Victoria of the British Empire on its cover with the inscription "Victoria Regina Imperatrix" – Victoria, Queen and Empress. The back is modeled in relief with figures of Greek mythology, and with shields of the continents massed on the lower edge entitled "Asia", "America", "Europe", "Austral-Asia", and "Africa". Marvelously fashioned to conceal all but a vestige of the device by which the hinged lid opens, the piece contains two oval miniatures of Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII of England as Princess and Prince of Wales, hand-painted on ivory and framed with elaborate mounts of gold. These include the plumed crown of the Prince of Wales and ribbons bearing the inscription "Ich Dien" – I Serve, motto significant of the Hanoverian line of the British Royal House. The cover of the piece is marked with the initials of the artist, "JEB". It is of English workmanship and was made by the firm of "George Edward & Sons", Silversmiths by Appointment to the British Court. It is contained in the original red velvet case. Number 5450-17 Mrs. John L. Pratt January 31, 1940 FROM THE HAMMER COLLECTION – 682 FIFTH AVENUE – NEW YORK

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Lillian Thomas Pratt Personal Papers (SC-07)
  3. Series 2: Hammer Galleries
  4. Series 2.3: Item Descriptions
  5. Folder 10

5450-6 1 page Box SC-07 Box 1, Folder 10, Item SC07.02.3.131

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] PARASOL HANDLE Parasol handle fashioned in 18 kt. gold, applied on a guilloche ground with long panels in champ-leve blue enamel. Separations between these, and collars circumscribed top and base, are patterned in small flower and leaf effect, the motifs executed in transparent ruby and emerald enamel. A faceted diamond is set in the circular top and this is enclosed within the three tones of transparent enamel bordered in gold. The object was created by Russia's eminent court jeweler, Karl Faberge, famous throughout the world as the greatest creator in gems of modern times. It is fully hallmarked with his name in Russian; with the initials of one of his ablest masters, Henrik Wigstroem; the numeral "72" denoting the Russian standard of 18 kt. gold; wreathed head device of the government assay office; and the Russian initials "YL" of the government inspector. Present also is another assay device, nearly obliterated through wear. From the Imperial Russian Collection. Number 5450-6 Mrs. John L. Pratt January 5, 1940 FROM THE HAMMER COLLECTION – 682 FIFTH AVENUE – NEW YORK

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Lillian Thomas Pratt Personal Papers (SC-07)
  3. Series 2: Hammer Galleries
  4. Series 2.3: Item Descriptions
  5. Folder 10

5478-5 1 page Box SC-07 Box 1, Folder 10, Item SC07.02.3.142

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] DACHSUND [sic] Beautiful, detailed figure of a dachshund, created by Karl Faberge, illustrious court jeweler to the monarchs of Europe and Asia, and especially to the last two Tsars of Russia. It is carved in fine, brown agate. Each movement of the little body, subtly expressed, contributes to the whole rhythmical form. The eyes are set with cabochon rubies. Number 5478-5 Mrs. John L. Pratt January 10, 1940 FROM THE HAMMER COLLECTION – 682 FIFTH AVENUE – NEW YORK

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  2. Lillian Thomas Pratt Personal Papers (SC-07)
  3. Series 2: Hammer Galleries
  4. Series 2.3: Item Descriptions
  5. Folder 10

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