Faberge : Imperial Jeweller

The works of Carl Faberge are among the world's outstanding artistic treasures. Imperial Jeweller to the Russian court, Faberge enjoyed acclaim across Europe: a status epitomized by his creation of a miniature replica of the Russian crown jewels for the 1900 Paris Exposition: from 4,000 diamonds. This comprehensive and illustrated study presents Faberge's legacy in the context of his position and his patrons. The famed Imperial Easter eggs for Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II represented only a fraction of his workshops' output: he also made gems and mementoes for Nicholas II's coronation in 1896, pieces for honoured visitors, and scores of works for the Romanov tercentenary in 1913. His work for European royalty included tiny hardstone animals for Queen Alexandra of England, wine coolers for Christian IX and Queen Louise of Denmark, jewelled flowers in crystal vases and cigarette cases "Faberge: Imperial Jeweller" is published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. More than 350 objects and drawings are reproduced, nearly half from Russia and little known in the West. Twelve scholars contribute their insights.