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Overview
Outstanding among the world's artistic treasures are the works of Russian jeweler and goldsmith Carl Faberge (1846-1920). In this lavishly illustrated book—the most comprehensive study of Faberge and his innovative creations to date—his legacy is illuminated against the background of royal patronage and his role as Imperial Jeweler to the Russian Court. Faberge has long been associated with the Imperial Easter eggs produced for tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II, yet these represent only a fraction of his workshops' output. His firm's close association with the Russian Imperial Family led to the creation of stunning jewelry and official objects to commemorate Nicholas II's coronation in 1896, hundreds of presentation gifts offered to visiting heads of state and dignitaries, and scores of works produced to honor the tercentenary of the Romanov dynasty in 1913. Faberge's works were acclaimed throughout Europe as well, particularly after his sparkling miniature replica of the Russian crown jewels—crafted from 4,000 diamonds—was shown at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. A unique aspect of this book is the inclusion of myriad personal items and objets de fantaisie created by Faberge for his royal clientele in Russia and Europe. At the turn of the last century, all facets of royal life in Europe—from births to weddings and anniversaries—merited unique gifts from Faberge. This important volume reproduces more than 350 objects and drawings from Faberge's workshops, many previously little known in the West and nearly half from Russian collections. Twelve leading scholars from the United States, Europe, and Russia haveThis splendidly illustrated volume is the catalog of the most comprehensive exhibition of Faberge eggs, jewelry, and art objects ever assembled. Including dozens of fabulous items never before seen by the public, it illuminates the legacy of Carl Faberge (1846-1920), Imperial Jeweler to the Russian court. 460 illustrations, 360 in full color.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly -
The artistry and technical virtuosity of the gold, enamel and gem-set objects created by Russian jeweler Carl Faberge (1846-1920) and his firm are celebrated in this snazzy catalogue of a 1993-94 exhibit held in St. Petersburg, Paris and London. Nearly half of the pieces shown in 360 color plates and additional illustrations are from Russian collections. Twelve scholars from the U.S., Europe and Russia examine the House of Faberge's omnipresence in the history of the Russian imperial family between 1896 and 1918, its ties to other ruling families of Europe, techniques used in making the Imperial Easter eggs, the output of Faberge's underrated Moscow branch and the widespread problem of ``Fauxberge'' forgeries. Newly unearthed archival documents reproduced here include the memoirs of Faberge's designer Franz Birbaum. Von Habsburg is curator of the Faberge Arts Foundation; Lopato is curator at St. Petersburg's Hermitage Museum. (May)Library Journal
This fabulous volume, the most comprehensive work to date on the artistry of Carl Faberg and his legacy to European culture from the 1870s until 1917, was compiled as a catalog for a traveling exhibition, which originated at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. General chapters discuss Faberg's life, the House of Faberg, and the operation of workshops in St. Petersburg and Moscow as well as the branches in London and Paris. More specialized sections focus on the world-renowned Imperial Easter Egg Collection, Faberg's participation in the 1900 Exposition Universalle in Paris, and personal drawings by the master himself. The real star of the book, however, is the beautifully illustrated ``Catalogue of Works,'' which arranges objects by immediate family members, relatives, historic events, workmasters, workshops, and branch locations. This work expands our knowledge of Faberg and complements other noteworthy volumes, including Faberg and the Russian Master Goldsmiths (LJ 11/15/89). Highly recommended.-Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson CityBook Details
Published
March 1, 1994
Publisher
St. Petersburg : State Hermitage Museum ; c1993.
Pages
476
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780810933200