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A portrait of the Russian Empress Catherine the Great by Dmitry Levitsky and her letter on the issue of vaccination against smallpox have become one one of the most expensive lots at the MacDougall's auction , RIA Novosti reports. Both lots were sold for almost a million pounds. The auction took place in London on the eve of December 1.
As Russkiy Mir
reported, in the letter, the empress advocates for vaccination against smallpox. The authenticity of the letter was confirmed by experts.
Catherine the Great was the first in her country to be vaccinated against smallpox. In the letter dated on April, 20 1787 she instructs the governor-general and vice-regent of Malorossiya to start the smallpox inoculation in the province.
The auction took place as part of the so-called Russian Week, which started on November 29 in London. Traditionally, it is held twice a year. Collectors get the opportunity to purchase works of Russian artists, decorative and applied art. Auction in Russian art brings together four auction houses: Christie's, Sotheby's, MacDougall's and Bonhams. Their revenue can exceed tens of millions of dollars.
Russkiy Mir
