The Alexander III Equestrian Egg, 1910 Back/Start/Next

Alexander III Equestrian EggAlexander III Equestrian EggMade in St. Petersburg
Workmaster: Unknown.
Marks: K.Fabergé.
Materials: Gold, platinum, diamonds, lapis lazuli, rock crystal.
Dimensions: Height 6" (15.5 cm).
Techniques: casting, minting, engraving.
Kept in the State Museums of the Moscow Kremlin, inv.no.MP-650/1-3.
Description:
The egg, containing a gold replica of the monument toAlexander III by Peter Trubetskoy, rests on a rectangular base of lapis lazuli bordered by two rows of roses. Alexander III Equestrian EggThe egg is carved out of quartz crystal and covered with platinum lace work strewn with roses. A large diamond surmounts the egg and is engraved with the year "1910". The diamond is set in band of small roses, with a rosette border of platinum acanthus leaves. The two platinum double-headed eagles on the sides of the egg have diamond crowns. The surface of the egg between the eagles is engraved with branching patterns which are adjoined at the bottom. The lower hemisphere of the egg served as a platform for the replica of the monument and is supported by cast platinum cherubs coiled into position on a base of crystal.
Provenance:
Presented by emperor Nicholas II to his mother, dowager Marie Feodorovna, Easter 1910.


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