Key Takeaways
- A Faberge egg, known as the Winter Egg, has sold for a record £22.9m at auction in London.
- The egg is crafted from rock crystal, covered in a delicate snowflake motif, and set with 4,500 tiny diamonds.
- The Winter Egg was commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, as an Easter present in 1913.
- The egg is one of the most original and artistically inventive Easter eggs created by Faberge for the Imperial family.
- The sale price topped the previous record for a Faberge egg, which was £8.9m, and is considered a significant milestone in the world of decorative arts.
Introduction to the Winter Egg
The Winter Egg, a stunning example of Faberge’s craftsmanship, has sold for a record-breaking £22.9m at a London auction. The 4in (10cm) tall egg is crafted from rock crystal, covered in a delicate snowflake motif wrought in platinum, and set with 4,500 tiny diamonds. This exquisite piece of art is not only a testament to Faberge’s skill but also a significant part of Russian history. The Winter Egg is one of the 50 eggs created by Faberge and his company for Russia’s imperial royal family between 1885 and 1917, each with its unique design and hidden surprise.
The History of the Winter Egg
The Winter Egg was commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, as an Easter present in 1913. It was designed by Alma Pihl, one of the few female designers to work with Faberge. The egg opens to reveal a removable tiny basket of quartz flowers, symbolizing spring and the resurrection. This design represents the shift from winter to spring and has a strong connection to Easter. The Romanov royal family, who ruled Russia for 300 years, was ousted in the 1917 revolution, and Nicholas and his family were executed in 1918. The Winter Egg is a reminder of the opulence and extravagance of the Romanov dynasty.
The Auction and Sale of the Winter Egg
The Winter Egg has had a fascinating history, having been sold several times over the years. It was initially bought by a London dealer for as little as £450 in the 1920s, when the cash-strapped Communist authorities sold off some of Russia’s artistic treasures. The egg was believed to be lost until it was auctioned by Christie’s in 1994 and then again in 2002, both times for record amounts for a Faberge item. The recent sale of the Winter Egg for £22.9m has topped the previous record for a Faberge egg, which was £8.9m. Margo Oganesian, the head of Christie’s Russian art department, described the egg as "the ‘Mona Lisa’ for decorative arts", a superb example of craft and design.
The Significance of the Winter Egg
The Winter Egg is widely regarded as one of the most original and artistically inventive Easter eggs created by Faberge for the Imperial family. There are 43 surviving imperial Faberge eggs, most of which are in museums. The Winter Egg is a rare example of Faberge’s work that is still in private hands. The sale of the Winter Egg is a significant milestone in the world of decorative arts, highlighting the enduring appeal of Faberge’s craftsmanship and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The Winter Egg is not only a beautiful piece of art but also a piece of history, telling the story of the Romanov dynasty and the artistic genius of Faberge.
Conclusion
The sale of the Winter Egg for £22.9m is a testament to the enduring appeal of Faberge’s craftsmanship and the significance of the Romanov dynasty in Russian history. The egg’s exquisite design, intricate details, and historical importance make it a truly unique and valuable piece of art. As one of the most original and artistically inventive Easter eggs created by Faberge, the Winter Egg is a rare example of the artist’s work that continues to inspire and awe people around the world. The sale of the Winter Egg is a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the significance of decorative arts in our understanding of history and culture.