Friday, June 22, 2012

Fabergé Friday

We have now reached Imperial Easter Egg number forty-six - the "Napoleonic Egg", from 1912!


This egg is made of yellow gold, covered with green enamel panels, rubies and diamonds. Created to commemorate the centenary of Russia's victory over the armies of Napoleon - and in particular the victory at Borodino in 1812 - double-headed eagles and battle trophies also decorate the egg's surface. 


The surprise consists of a folding screen of six miniatures, painted by Vasilii Zuiev. The hinges holding the panels together are axe-topped fasces - a warlike emblem in use since Roman times.


Each miniature depicts one of the six regiments over which the Dowager Empress was honorary colonel, and her emblem is engraved on the back of all of them. 


The octagonal frames are decorated with enamel laurel wreaths and rose-cut diamonds.

The "Napoleonic Egg" celebrates past royal glories, while at the same time appealing to Russian patriotism in a time when the Romanov dynasty once again faced the uncertainties of war. Today this egg can be seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.




2 comments:

  1. It's gorgeous!! Love the little fold out pictures, they are precious!!I rather enjoy all the attention to the small intricate details each of these eggs have each week. Master craftsman to create such beauties. Happy Friday darling girl, have a wonderful weekend :)) xx

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  2. I adore the intricate details in the works of Fabergé eggs. These are spectacular images, especially love the miniatures. Hope your weekend was great. xo

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