Of architectural form, the broken pediment surmounted by silvered winged putti, and centered by a chamfered pedestal surmounted by a figure depicting the Assumption of the Virgin, the front with lapis lazuli panels inset with agate in the form of baroque cartouches, on a stepped base inset with further stones, the figures associated, with a printed paper label to the reverse inscribed 'Eigentum / Prinzessin Maria Anna / v. Bourbon-Parma'
19³⁄₄ in. (50 cm.) high; 16¹⁄₂ in. (42 cm.) wide; 6¹⁄₂ in. (16.5 cm.) deep

Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, Princess of Bourbon Parma (1882-1940).
Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 6 July 2012, lot 124 (£21,250).

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Lot Essay

Inlaid with semi-precious stones of jasper and lapis lazuli forming geometrical patterns, the design of this crucifix base is typical of pietra dura produced in the city of Rome. A number of cabinets with similar inlay are known, including the celebrated Castle Howard Cabinets sold Sotheby's London, 8 July 2015, lot 20 and lots 65 and 102 in this sale.

Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, Princess of Bourbon Parma (1882-1940) was born to the Teschen branch of the Habsburgs and grew up in the splendid surroundings of the Weilburg Palace near Vienna. In 1903 she married Elias son of Robert I of Bourbon-Parma and they resided at numerous residences including the Château de Chambord which had descended through the Dukes of Parma.