What Are Fabergé Eggs? A Glimpse into Imperial Treasures
Fabergé eggs are exquisitely crafted jeweled eggs created by the House of Fabergé, primarily for the Russian Imperial family from 1885 to 1917, and are considered masterpieces of jewellery art and remarkable symbols of luxury and craftsmanship.
The History of Imperial Eggs
The story of Fabergé eggs is inextricably linked to the Russian Imperial family. In 1885, Emperor Alexander III commissioned a jeweled egg as an Easter gift for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna. So delighted was she with this gift – the Hen Egg – that Alexander appointed Peter Carl Fabergé as “Goldsmith by Special Appointment to the Imperial Crown,” and ordered one egg each year thereafter. This tradition was continued by his son, Emperor Nicholas II, who commissioned two eggs annually: one for his mother, the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, and another for his wife, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.
The Design and Craftsmanship
Each Fabergé egg was a unique and meticulously planned creation. Carl Fabergé would personally oversee the design and execution, drawing inspiration from events in the Imperial family’s life, anniversaries, and current events. The designs were kept secret from everyone, including the Tsar, until the eggs were presented. The creation of an egg could take over a year, involving a team of highly skilled goldsmiths, jewelers, enamellers, and stone cutters.
- Materials: The eggs were crafted from a vast array of precious materials, including gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, jade, lapis lazuli, and various other gemstones.
- Techniques: Intricate techniques like guilloché enamel (a decorative technique where enamel is applied over a patterned metal surface), engraving, and chasing were employed to create exquisite detail and texture.
- Surprise: Each Imperial egg contained a hidden “surprise” within – a miniature replica of a royal yacht, a clockwork mechanism, or a miniature portrait of the Imperial family, adding another layer of intrigue and delight.
The Variety of Designs and Themes
The designs of the Fabergé eggs were incredibly diverse, reflecting the changing times and the tastes of the Imperial family.
- Imperial Eggs: These are the most famous and valuable. They range from relatively simple designs to incredibly elaborate creations, such as the Coronation Egg, which commemorates Nicholas II’s coronation and contains a miniature replica of the coronation carriage.
- Non-Imperial Eggs: Fabergé also created eggs for private clients, including wealthy industrialists and European royalty. These eggs, while still of exceptional quality, are generally less elaborate than the Imperial eggs.
- Recurring Themes: While each egg was unique, some themes recurred, such as flowers, birds, historical events, and portraits of the Imperial family.
The Fate of the Fabergé Eggs After the Revolution
Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Fabergé workshop was nationalized, and the Imperial family was executed. The Fabergé eggs were confiscated by the Bolsheviks, scattered, and sold off to various collectors and museums around the world. Many were lost for decades, only to be rediscovered later.
The Legacy and Value of Fabergé Eggs
Today, Fabergé eggs are highly sought after by collectors and are considered some of the most valuable and exquisite objects ever created. They represent a pinnacle of craftsmanship, artistry, and luxury. Owning a Fabergé egg is like owning a piece of history, a tangible link to the opulence and grandeur of the Russian Imperial court. Their scarcity and historical significance continue to drive their immense value.
| Feature | Imperial Eggs | Non-Imperial Eggs |
|---|---|---|
| Client | Russian Imperial Family | Private Clients, Royalty |
| Rarity | Extremely Rare | Rare |
| Value | Exceptionally High | Very High |
| Complexity | Highly Elaborate | Elaborate |
| Subject Matter | Imperial Family, Events | Varied |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fabergé Eggs
How many Imperial Fabergé eggs were made?
A total of fifty Imperial Fabergé eggs were commissioned, though only forty-three are known to still exist. Alexander III commissioned one egg per year from 1885 to 1894, and Nicholas II commissioned two eggs per year from 1895 to 1917 (except for 1904 and 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War, when none were made).
What makes Fabergé eggs so valuable?
Several factors contribute to their exceptional value. These include the rarity, the high-quality materials, the exquisite craftsmanship, the historical significance, and the provenance (ownership history) of each egg. Each egg is a unique masterpiece, representing a significant investment of time, skill, and precious materials.
Where are Fabergé eggs located today?
The surviving Fabergé eggs are scattered around the world in museums and private collections. Some notable collections include those held by the Kremlin Armoury Museum in Moscow, the Matilda Geddings Gray Foundation Collection on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.
Are Fabergé eggs still being made?
Yes, Fabergé continues to produce jeweled eggs today, though they are not Imperial commissions. The modern Fabergé company focuses on creating luxury jewelry and objects, drawing inspiration from the legacy of the original Imperial eggs.
How can I tell if a Fabergé egg is authentic?
Authenticating a Fabergé egg is a complex process that requires expert knowledge. Key factors include the presence of Fabergé hallmarks, the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, the style and design, and the historical records. Consult with reputable art appraisers and experts specializing in Fabergé artifacts.
What is guilloché enamel?
Guilloché enamel is a decorative technique where enamel is applied over a metal surface that has been engraved with a precise, repeating pattern. This creates a shimmering, translucent effect, adding depth and complexity to the enamel. It was a signature technique used by Fabergé.
What was the “surprise” inside Fabergé eggs?
The “surprise” was a hidden miniature or mechanism contained within each egg. These surprises ranged from miniature replicas of landmarks or royal yachts to clockwork devices, portraits of the Imperial family, and other intricate creations. The surprise added an element of surprise and delight to the gift.
Who was Peter Carl Fabergé?
Peter Carl Fabergé (1846-1920) was a Russian jeweller of Baltic German origin. He was the head of the House of Fabergé and the mastermind behind the creation of the Imperial Fabergé eggs. His exceptional talent and artistic vision transformed the family jewelry business into a renowned symbol of luxury and craftsmanship.
What happened to the Fabergé family after the Russian Revolution?
After the Russian Revolution, the Fabergé family was forced to flee Russia. The company was nationalized, and the family’s assets were seized. Carl Fabergé died in exile in Switzerland in 1920.
Why were the Fabergé eggs so important to the Imperial family?
The Fabergé eggs were more than just extravagant gifts; they were symbols of the Imperial family’s wealth, power, and artistic patronage. They also served as commemorations of important events in the family’s life and a reflection of the opulence and splendor of the Russian court.
How many Fabergé eggs have been lost or are unaccounted for?
Of the fifty Imperial eggs commissioned, seven are currently missing. Their whereabouts remain a mystery, fueling speculation and intrigue among collectors and historians. The prospect of rediscovering one of these lost treasures continues to fascinate the art world.
How much would it cost to buy a Fabergé egg today?
The price of a Fabergé egg today is astronomical. The most expensive Fabergé egg sold at auction was the Rothschild Fabergé Egg, which fetched almost $18.5 million in 2007. Even non-Imperial eggs can command prices in the millions of dollars, depending on their rarity, condition, and provenance.