Fabergé Workshop, Henrik Wigstrom (workmaster), Imperial Cesarevich Easter Egg (1912)
My honey and I drove up to Montreal last weekend, to escape the stress and scenery of NYC… and in search of poutines. Though we missed out on the curd-and-gravy-smothered potatoes, the 7-hour trip amounted to a dinner at Joe Beef, Octoberfest tastings at Atwater Market and a visit to the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts for a fantastic Fabergé exhibit. The dinner was unparalleled, the market was refreshing and the exhibit--keep reading for a glimpse inside...
Fabergé: Jeweller to the Czars exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts; exhibit entrance
For the first time in Canada, 240 luxuriously complex Fabergé-made objects pose pretentiously for an intrigued public. With epic grandeur, Montreal Museum of Art's Fabergé : Jeweler to the Czars provides a firsthand look inside the generosity of european aristocracy at the onset of the 20th century. Within themed sections, 4 of 43 Imperial Easter eggs commissioned by the Romanovs are displayed prominently--one in each room--encircled by finely handcrafted and bejeweled objets d'art. Steins, silver and frames are among many items of magnificent decor once-commissioned for royalty.
Imperial Red Cross Easter Egg with Portraits (1915), gift from Nicholas II to his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna
As the ingenious mastermind, Carl Fabergé built an empire of catering to the well-to-do in Russia and England until the Russian Revolution. Easter eggs became a primary source of business, though housewares, accessories and fine jewelry ran the gamut of elaborate offerings. After his business was nationalized, Fabergé left Russia and passed away--many say of a broken heart.
Opening day of Fabergé [photo credit: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts]
Due to popular demand, the Fabergé exhibit will run for 2 final days this weekend, ultimately closing on October 12th. If you're in or visiting Montreal, I'd recommend a stopover. With a boutique-like set up, each section allows visitors to view the pieces up close from multiple perspectives. Situated in one of 4 buildings occupied by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the museum makes for the perfect rainy day activity!
Imperial Pelican Easter Egg, Carl Fabergé, (1897)
Imperial Pelican Easter egg opens to 8 oval frames illustrating orphanages or schools patronized by Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna
Wall showing 43 Fabergé Easter eggs commissioned by the Romanovse
Imperial Peter the Great egg (1903), Carl Fabergé
Visitors navigate the exhibit
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