Lot 133: Princess Zinaida Aleksandrovna Belosel'skaia-Belozerskaia (+ 1862), in white dress with blue embroidered border, purple silk cloak with pearl- set clasp, strings of pearls worn as a headband in her fair curling hair

PETER EDWARD STROELY (GERMAN, 1768-1826)
Princess Zinaida Aleksandrovna Belosel'skaia-Belozerskaia (+ 1862), in white dress with blue embroidered border, purple silk cloak with pearl- set clasp, strings of pearls worn as a headband in her fair curling hair
oval, 3 3/16 in. (81 mm.) high, modern silver-gilt fausse-montre frame

Born in Dresden, the daughter of the Russian ambassador before his posting to Turin, the Princess was married in 1811 to Prince Nikita Grigor'evich Volkonskii, but they lived apart for most of their lives. Living in Italy, she knew the visiting writers and musicians entertaining at her villa, dying in Rome where she was buried.
This miniature is inspired by Stroely's portrait of Queen Louise of Prussia.