An amateur detective’s work at an English museum has finally solved the mystery surrounding two unidentified women in a pair of Fabergé photo frames. The identities of the women have been revealed as Sophia of Prussia, the granddaughter of Queen Victoria, and Marie Perugia, the wife of Leopold de Rothschild.
The story began when Geoffrey Munn, a fine jewelry specialist for Antiques Roadshow, rediscovered the frames at the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery around five years ago. While he confirmed that the frames were made by the renowned Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, the identities of the women in the photographs remained a mystery.
Enter Andreane Rellou, an actor and filmmaker who visited the museum with her sister in 2021. Intrigued by the unidentified women in the Fabergé frames, Rellou took it upon herself to solve the mystery. Using her knowledge of historical fashion and hairstyling, she dated the photographs and identified the women as Marie Perugia and Sophia of Prussia.
Marie Perugia, born in Italy in 1862, was married to Leopold de Rothschild, one of the wealthiest men of his time. Sophia of Prussia, born in 1870, was Queen Victoria’s granddaughter and later became the queen of Greece after marrying Constantine I.
Rellou’s detective work not only solved the mystery but also shed light on the history behind the Fabergé frames. It is believed that the frames, along with other small objects in the museum’s collection, came from Preston Manor, a historic mansion in the vicinity. The collection is valued at over $1.27 million.
Rellou expressed her satisfaction with the findings, attributing her success to a collaborative effort that relied on the work of others. The discovery of the women’s identities adds a deeper layer of significance to the Fabergé frames and enriches the museum’s collection.
The Fabergé frames, now identified and displayed at the museum, serve as a reminder of the intricate history and craftsmanship behind these exquisite pieces of art. The collaborative effort between museum staff, experts, and amateur detectives like Rellou highlights the importance of curiosity and dedication in solving historical mysteries.
