Romanov Dynasty Russian Nesting Dolls Matryoshka 6 pieces Czar Tzar Signed

  

I have been doing a great deal of research into Russian history and the Romanovs as a result of this set of nesting dolls. I left 2 others behind and now regret it. This is not something I know much about but as an artist myself I thought they were very well painted and the details were fascinating.

I don't read Russian but the best I could translate from the signature not the bottom that the artist was probably from Saint Petersburg. There are no dates on the bottom. Each piece has a thick, rich gold painting of the crest of the House of Romanov on the back. Each one also has the name on it in Russian. The artist not only painted the images but also add some texture to the work including what looks like sand into some of the paint. This effect does somewhat distort the facial features of the smallest one. You can see that the light fixture in my Photo Booth does reflect heavily on the pieces. I tried to take some without the light. If you want more measurements, want to see the interior of any of the dolls, or just want photos from different angles please contact me.

If you are able to translate the artist's name on the bottom that would be helpful- please let me know.