Russian Works of Art, Fabergé and Icons
Russian Works of Art, Fabergé and Icons
A FABERGÉ IMPERIAL PRESENTATION JEWELLED GOLD AND GUILLOCHÉ ENAMEL BROOCH, WORKMASTER AUGUST HOLLMING, ST PETERSBURG, 1899-1908
Auction Closed
November 26, 06:32 PM GMT
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A FABERGÉ IMPERIAL PRESENTATION JEWELLED GOLD AND GUILLOCHÉ ENAMEL BROOCH, WORKMASTER AUGUST HOLLMING, ST PETERSBURG, 1899-1908
enamelled in translucent white, with a blue enamelled 'Э' over radiating and hatched grounds, centred with a ruby and rose-cut diamond set Imperial crown encircled in laurel branches, struck on the clasp with workmaster's initials, 56 standard, scratched inventory number 1344
diameter 2.6cm, 1in.
The present brooch relates to a group of sketches for jewels, singed ‘K. Fabergé’ in Cyrillic, that incorporate the letter 'Э'. These designs for potential gifts were presented by Fabergé to the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty. The staff of the cabinet then selected which designs were to be executed in gold, enamel and precious stones (Svetlana Chestnykh et.al., Spala: An imperial Residence, 2011, pp. 130-131).
It is most likely that the blue enamelled 'Э' on the present brooch relates to the 'Эрмитаж' (Hermitage) Theatre and that these designs were intended as gifts from the Imperial Family to dancers following important performances.