DAZZLING DISPLAY
Fabulous Fabergé
Q So, where can I see these decadent parasol handles?
A There is a spectacular exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts called Fabulous Fabergé: Jeweller to the Czars. Four Faberge eggs, partially constructed of gold and studded with diamonds and sapphires, are the stars of the exhibition. But there are many more objects among the 240 in the show to bedazzle contemporary viewers and anger, a century ago, starving Russian peasants. Just one of the czar’s golden spoons could have kept a peasant family fed with beets and cabbage for many months and with enough left over for a few bottles of vodka.
Q Who was Fabergé?
A Carl Fabergé, the son of French Huguenots living in Russia, became the most famous jeweller in the world in the 19th century, initially because of the many commissions sent his way from Russia’s royal family, the Romanovs, during the reigns of Alexander III and Nicholas II. Other Russian aristocrats also ordered baubles. International success followed. During the 1917 revolution, the Bolsheviks seized the Fabergé workshop which, at its peak, employed 500 people. The Fabergé family wisely fled Russia. Carl died in 1920 in Switzerland. But his name lives on as a personification of quality workmanship that spared no expense in materials to delight rich customers. Indeed, Fabergé could not find a household object mundane enough to escape gold-and-diamond decoration.
Q What does Carl Fabergé have in common with Putin?
A Both came to prominence trying to reignite what is called “Old Russian” culture, which is a combination of tradition, propaganda and fantasy.
Q Tell us about the eggs.
A For hundreds of years, Russians had a tradition of giving Easter eggs as presents to family members. But no lowly painted chicken egg for the Romanovs. Instead, Fabergé was asked to produce eggs, twice the size of a chicken egg, and made of gold, ivory, enamel and jewels. Often the eggs were hinged and, when opened, revealed surprises inside, such as miniature portraits of relatives. The Romanov family had 50 Fabergé eggs. Only 43 remain intact around the world. The four eggs on exhibition all come, along with the rest of the loot, from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.
Q What’s your favourite egg?
A It is called the Imperial Pelican Easter Egg, created in 1897. This egg pays tribute to the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna. The pink-gold egg is studded with diamonds. It opens to reveal eight oval frames, bordered with pearls tapering from large to smaller sizes. Each frame holds a miniature on ivory depicting one of the orphanages or schools patronized by the Empress. A nest of pelicans sits atop the egg. The pelican symbolizes the Empress’s role as mother to the nation, despite her Danish heritage.
Q How are the eggs exhibited?
A Each egg is perched on a glass covered plinth that allows visitors on all four sides of the plinth to see the egg. Small video screens nearby allow visitors to explore the interior of the egg to view the inner paintings and other decorations. Each egg is worth millions, so security guards keep a close eye on the crowds.
Q What else is in the exhibition?
A There are plates, bowls, cutlery, picture frames, cigarette cases, artificial flowers, walking stick handles, miniature animal ornaments, jewelry and many other household objects that contain healthy amounts of gold, precious gems and over-the-top ostentation. Most of the objects are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. How did they ever prevent the servants from stealing a few to finance their retirement?
Q What object, beyond the eggs, is the most eye-catching?
A Surely it is the artifact called Cup and Cover, created some time between 1887 and 1917. The cup is about the size of a beer mug but shaped in a manner similar to an oniondomed Orthodox church. This elongated cup, a tankard, really, is decorated with silver gilt, enamel and topped with a twoheaded eagle. The cup gleans. Surely, it was meant to contain ambrosia. It is the kind of object one feels a need to worship on bended knee. Could it be the Holy Grail?.
Q How do I find this exhibition?
A Fabulous Fabergé: Jeweller to the Czars is at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke West, until Oct. 5. The downtown museum is close to both the Peel and Guy-Concordia Metro stops. Shops and restaurants fill the neighbourhood.