A Russian Champlevé Enameled Gilt Silver Spoon Khlebnikov with Imperial Warrant, Moscow, circa 1885 7-1/2 inches (19.1 cm) 110 grams PROVENANCE: An important California private collection; John Atzbach Antiques, Bellevue, Washington, acquired from the above; Acquired from the above by the current owner. The third and oldest surviving triumphal arch in Moscow was constructed between 1829 and 1834 on Tverskaya Square, designed by Joseph Bové to commemorate Russia's victory over Napoleon in 1812. It replaced an earlier wooden structure built in 1814 by veterans of the Napoleonic Wars. The arch was made of brick, lined with ashlar, and featured cast-iron columns and statues. Giovanni Vitali designed a seiugis, or six-horse chariot, that adorned the arch. A bilingual inscription in Russian and Latin honored Tsar Alexander I, who restored Moscow after it was devastated during the French invasion. In 1936, the arch was dismantled as part of Joseph Stalin's urban reconstruction, and the sculptures were moved to a museum. Rebuilt in 1966–68 along Kutuzovsky Avenue, near Victory Park, the new structure replicates Bové's original design. Today, the surrounding area is known as Victory Square. Masterpieces of Russian Enamel from an Important American Collection HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved