Faberge in America

Posted by Kerry Kubilius Jan 26, 2007

Faberge in America was an up-close and personal experience with some of the most beautiful items to come from the Faberge workshops at the turn of the century. Comprising of the fabulous and famous Faberge Eggs, enameled picture frames, desk sets, miniature animal sculptures, cigar cases, and many more objects of Faberge's inspiration, the exhibit was well laid out. However, it was almost too much extravagance to digest.

I had seen Faberge Eggs in Moscow, and the famous miniatures of the Russian crown jewels in St. Petersburg, but those were displayed solo or with lesser art pieces. Faberge in America gathered together the great collections of established American families - some who had been personal clients of Faberge himself, others who had amassed objects created by Faberge over their lifetimes. The Armand Hammer Collection, the collection of Marjorie Merriweather Post, the Forbes Collection, and other collections were exhibited, and each displayed the character of its owner.

Viewing Faberge up close, from all angles, and in the midst of similarly tasteful objects of luxury is the only way to gain a real appreciation for the particular detail, design, and fastidious workmanship of Faberge. It goes without saying that photographs will never capture the subtlety of irridescent enamel, the sparkle of tiny, perfect gems, or the sometimes playfully stylized whims of the artists. With their glitter, shimmer, and sometimes literal glow, Faberge objects have lives of their own. The stuff of which their made - stone, and gold, and gems - makes them time capsules of an age captured by Faberge's imagination.