Faberge: Imperial Jeweler

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 fame was not confined to Russia; his 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 tiny hardstone animals carved for England’s Queen Alexandra, a pair of wine coolers made for the golden wedding anniversary of King Christian IX and Queen Louise of Denmark, exquisite jeweled flowers in crystal vases, stunning picture frames, and elegant cigarette cases, among many other delights. 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 have contributed new perspectives on the designer, providing insights into the House of Faberge’s history and operations in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and London; the technical aspects of its production; and the newly discovered design books of Faberge’s head workmaster Henrik Wigstrom.
One consequence of the recent collapse of the former Soviet Union has been the opening of Russian archives to scholars. Long-lost documents relating to Faberge and his relationship with the Russian court have garnered a wealth of new information that is published here for the first time. Included are the memoirs of Franz Birbaum, Faberge’s most ingenious designer, whose writings offer a personal glimpse into the daily operations of the legendary jewelry firm. Also found in these Russian archives are rarely seen photographs of Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna, their children, and their relatives among European royal families.
Imperial Jeweler serves as the catalogue of a landmark exhibition held in 1993-94 at the State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. In the monumental exhibition, as in this superb book, the vast production of the House of Faberge is examined anew and the genius of Carl Faberge celebrated with wonder and admiration.